1043
Albums Rated
3.09
Average Rating
96%
Complete
46 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
2020
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
73
5-Star Albums
54
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
|
5 | 2.84 | +2.16 |
|
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
|
5 | 2.93 | +2.07 |
|
Out of Step
Minor Threat
|
5 | 2.94 | +2.06 |
|
Pelican West
Haircut 100
|
5 | 2.97 | +2.03 |
|
Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
|
5 | 3 | +2 |
|
Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
|
5 | 3.06 | +1.94 |
|
Hunting High And Low
a-ha
|
5 | 3.12 | +1.88 |
|
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
|
5 | 3.12 | +1.88 |
|
Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
|
5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
|
The Real Thing
Faith No More
|
5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
|
1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
|
Zombie
Fela Kuti
|
1 | 3.46 | -2.46 |
|
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
|
1 | 3.42 | -2.42 |
|
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
|
1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
|
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
|
1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
|
Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
|
1 | 3.26 | -2.26 |
|
Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
|
1 | 3.15 | -2.15 |
|
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
|
1 | 3.15 | -2.15 |
|
Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
|
1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
|
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
|
1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Metallica | 4 | 5 |
| Pink Floyd | 4 | 4.75 |
| Paul Simon | 3 | 4.67 |
| Beastie Boys | 3 | 4.67 |
| Nirvana | 3 | 4.67 |
| Jimi Hendrix | 3 | 4.67 |
| Beatles | 7 | 4.14 |
| Ice Cube | 2 | 5 |
| Run-D.M.C. | 2 | 5 |
| Eminem | 2 | 5 |
| Bruce Springsteen | 5 | 4.2 |
| Michael Jackson | 3 | 4.33 |
| Johnny Cash | 3 | 4.33 |
| Public Enemy | 3 | 4.33 |
| Led Zeppelin | 5 | 4 |
Least Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| OutKast | 2 | 1.5 |
| Baaba Maal | 2 | 1.5 |
| Orbital | 2 | 1.5 |
| Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band | 2 | 1.5 |
| Joni Mitchell | 4 | 2.25 |
Controversial
| Artist | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Funkadelic | 4, 1 |
| Megadeth | 2, 5 |
| The Specials | 5, 2 |
| U2 | 2, 5, 3, 5 |
| PJ Harvey | 2, 1, 4 |
5-Star Albums (73)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Thin Lizzy · 19 likes
5/5
Listened Before? N
Holy S**T! What an amazing introduction to Thin Lizzy. This live album is an absolute masterpiece from beginning to end. Banger after banger lined up in a row. The lead guitar is absolutely face-melting in every song, and the band's energy is full-tilt. I am unsure how I have basically completely missed this band until now. Everyone knows "The Boys are Back in Town", and I was familiar with "Jailbreak" but every other song here is wonderful as well. I see no real cons here. This will be my first 5-star album.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist - The Boys are Back in Town
Massive Attack · 13 likes
4/5
Listened Before? N
Pros: This was a great surprise! I've never listened to these people before at all. I'm usually not a fan of all electronic stuff, but they use the vocals so well over the top that it pulls it together very nicely. I think this is the best electronic music I've heard.
Cons: Some songs drag a bit.
Added to Library? N
Songs Added to Playlist: Protection, Three
Tori Amos · 9 likes
5/5
Listened Before? Y
This… is one of my favorite albums of all time. Tori Amos in her prime. Complex lyrics that completely capture the emotions intended, beautifully composed and performed music. A classic.
Added to Library? Y
Eminem · 3 likes
5/5
Listened Before? N
This has GOT to be one of the most controversial albums on this list- just due to the "love or hate" it factor. Listen - some of the things Em says here are brutal, disgusting, murderous and insensitive.... that's the freaking point folks. Anyone who downrates this album because they think he's being serious is completely missing the point. This is one of the most skillfully made shock albums of all time - while also being one of the most skillfuly made rap albums of all time.
Dr. Dre is a master of his craft. Eminem is one of the best rappers (skill wise) of all time. There is no debate. If eminem trolled you into being mad about this album he did exactly what he was hoping he would.
Also - GenZ-ers and young millennials who don't remember the year 2000- you had to be there. It made lots of sense at the time.
Eric Clapton · 3 likes
1/5
Listened Before? N
HAHA Eric Clapton is a piece of shit. I wish I could give it 0.
Added to Library? HAHAHAHAHA NO
Song added to playlist: I Shot the Sheriff (but I quarantined it just for him so I won't give him a cent by listening to it).
1-Star Albums (54)
All Ratings
AC/DC
4/5
Listened Before (in entirety)? N
Pros: Nice, peppy, rocking listen. Not too long.
This must have been wild to hear in the 70s. It's HEAVY rock (probably not quite metal by today's standards). Highlights: Girl's got Rythmn, Beating around the Bush has a GREAT main riff. Night Prowler was a great surprise! Guitars were spot-on (I'm a sucker for blues licks), Bonn's voice doesn't really lend itself to blues, but the riffs and solos more than make up for it. It's easy to see why AC/DC are considered an influence by so many later bands. This was a good intro to their pre-Brian Johnson days.
Cons: It's a shame that I started this album by skipping track 1. Highway to Hell is probably one of the greatest hard rock songs of all time.... unless you listen to hard rock or classic rock radio. It's so overplayed in my world that I could go without ever hearing it again. As expected, the lyrics of the album are overtly sexual. It's fine, just not what I choose usually.
Added to Library (Y/N/partial)? P
Added: Girl's Got Rhythm, Beating Around the Bush, Night Prowler
The Beach Boys
2/5
Listened Before? N
Drugs.
There's not enough of them to make me like this album. I don't get it.
Pros: Student Demonstration Time is a decent political song.
Cons: After reading the history of the record, I understand that it was a comeback of sorts for the band, and that's fantastic for them. I don't understand why is consistenly ranked in the top albums of all time though. It really feels like they were attempting to become the "American Beatles" here. The vocals are not what I expect from the Beach Boys, and the instrumentation seems intentionally experimental.
Added to Library? (Yes/No/Partial) - P
Added: Student Demonstration Time
Supergrass
2/5
Listened Before? N
Ah yes, 1990s Britpop/rock. Not my favorite.
Pros: It's not unlisten-able, and I get the sense that if I listened to it several times I might even start to be okay with it. It's a bit trippy and acidy at times in a good way. Can see how the style influenced later American and British acts.
Cons: Droning, repetitive, noisy, lyrics that are difficult to understand.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Cheapskate (a little groovier than the rest)
Elvis Presley
3/5
Listened before? N
ELVIS! Late Elvis, that is, but still Elvis!
Pros: well, it’s Elvis. He’s got a great voice and a good selection of songs. I enjoyed this one.
Cons: it’s late Elvis so his voice was starting to go a little bit. Also, a lot of slower songs on this one when I’d prefer Elvis to be peppier.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Long Black Limousine, I'm Movin' On
Willie Nelson
3/5
Listened before? N
Willie Nelson's 1978 Cover Album. This one was pretty good, but different for Willie.
Pros: It's Willie Nelson! His voice was at it's peak here, and I believe he even won a Grammy for Georgia on My Mind. Good stuff.
Cons: It's 100% slow songs. It's all covers, although, well-known ones. Not really the style I expect from Willie Nelson. I prefer his country stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Georgia on My Mind
Brian Wilson
4/5
The Undertones
4/5
Listened before? N
This is my first known exposure to The Undertones. This was a nice surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Pros: Rocking, Peppy, Punk-ish. Referred to as pop-punk by Wikipedia, I pretty much agree. It's not modern-style pop-punk, but it is pop-punk nonetheless. You can hear the influence of The Ramones all over this record. Anyway, all of this is good news for me. I really liked this album.
Cons: Repetitive lyrics (it's old-school punk, so this is expected), a couple of songs just didn't do it for me.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Teenage Kicks, Get Over You
Sugar
2/5
Listened before? N
It was okay. Heavily layered guitars and gravelly vocals seem like Social Distortion. Nothing special for me here but I could see how people would like it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Helpless
Various Artists
4/5
The Cure
4/5
Listened Before? N
I really liked this one. I'm a bit of a fan of the Cure, so I have a passing familiarity with this album (Mostly A Forest), but this isn't one I had listened to entirely.
Pros: It's the Cure! I love these guys' sound. It just FEELS like the 80s, and Robert Smith's lyrics are good, along with his amazing voice. The instrumentation is on point and the guitar hooks are catchy.
Cons: I'm glad these guys decided at some point that turning up Smith's vocals would be a good idea. I get that it's supposed to be secondary to the music, but it's a travesty to hide a vocalist like him. This album they're barely audible until the halfway point, but after that much better.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: A Forest
Thin Lizzy
5/5
Listened Before? N
Holy S**T! What an amazing introduction to Thin Lizzy. This live album is an absolute masterpiece from beginning to end. Banger after banger lined up in a row. The lead guitar is absolutely face-melting in every song, and the band's energy is full-tilt. I am unsure how I have basically completely missed this band until now. Everyone knows "The Boys are Back in Town", and I was familiar with "Jailbreak" but every other song here is wonderful as well. I see no real cons here. This will be my first 5-star album.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist - The Boys are Back in Town
Eagles
5/5
Listened Before? Y
My first entry for an album I've listened to all the way through in the past!
Pros: Hey, it's the Eagles! It's the Eagles best known album, and it's a widely acclaimed masterpiece! Also, Hotel California, and The Last Resort are a couple of my favorite songs of all time. Amazing album. Stellar songwriting. Stellar instrumentation.
Cons: The only con I have for this album (and actually the band as a whole), is that in MY opinion, Don Henley has such an amazing voice that nobody else should sing. Ever. I don't understand the rotating singers thing and it actually annoys me a lot.
Added to Library - Y
Songs Added to Playlist - Hotel California, The Last Resort
Miles Davis
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pros: My first Miles Davis! Great sound, very familiar and soothing as a Kansas City resident. I loved this album. Wonderful musicianship.
Cons: I just have a difficult time getting into non-classical music with no vocals whatsoever. However, I may find myself getting familiar with vocal-less jazz sooner than I think.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Blue in Green
Travis
3/5
Talking Heads
3/5
Listened Before: N
Old Talking Heads! Sweet!
Pros: A few catchy ones in there. It's fun to hear where their sound originated. Overall a solid album though. Really liked Life During Wartime.
Cons: Sometimes a little bit TOO experimental for me. "Drugs" in particular.... Although I'm not sure what I expected with a title like that!
Added to playlist: Life During Wartime
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pros: Super smooth, easy to listen to. Fun to "get it on" to. This is some of the smoothest stuff I've heard coming out of the 70's. Good stuff.
Cons: Listening to this beginning to end isn't really my style. I could see a situation where I could be in the right mood, but it wouldn't be often. I definitely appreciate it, though.
Added to Library? N
Song(s) added to playlist: Lets Get it On
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
Listened before? N
Not much to say about this one. I don’t understand why it was popular. The dude just talk/sings in falsetto for way too long. The music is decent but his voice actually wrecks it mostly.
Added to library? N
Song added to playlist: So in Love
Bob Dylan
5/5
Listened Before: N
Peak Dylan! Nice! While I haven't listened to this one before, I am familiar with a few of the songs.
Pros: This album is amazing. Good music and witty, biting social commentary. Can't go wrong with that combo. Every song is well crafted and the recordings are raw enough to make you feel like you're there with him.
Cons: Can't think of many. Even Mr. Tambourine Man as over-done as it is as a song, shines on this one.
Added to Library: Y
Songs added to playlist: On the Road Again, Maggie's Farm.
Prince
4/5
Listened Before? N
Another gap in my musical experience. Prince. First Prince album I've listened to beginning-to-end.
Pros: Well, I now see why he was considered a pioneer and why he was so popular. This album is very, very good. Highly skilled production and never gets boring. It's very impressive that he pulled this off basically as a one man band. His attitude is INCREDIBLE. Prince gives no fucks. A classic of the 80's!
Cons: Unfortunately not ENOUGH my style to add the whole album. I'll come back to it in the future I'm sure, but right now it's not really in my wheelhouse. Fairly dated lyrically, but that's okay.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Housequake, U Got the Look
Frank Ocean
2/5
Listened Before: N
Modern R&B... Meh.
Pros: Loved "Super Rich Kids". I like some of the music here. Nothing too difficult to listen to, it's just not really my thing.
Cons: Again, not my thing. Too much "talking" over the music.. and a lot of the samples seem unnecessary or out of place. Also, why is Pyramids 10 minutes long?
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Super Rich Kids
Grateful Dead
4/5
Listened Before: N
Alright, man! The Dead!
Pros: This album was great! Mellow and good harmonies. Wonderful guitars and a very peaceful mood. I will definitely be looking into more Dead later on.
Cons: It drags a bit at the end. In particular I found "Attics of My Life" to be a slog to get through. Too sleepy. Maybe I'm not stoned enough. Good thing "Truckin'" comes after to wake me up.
Added to Collection: P
Songs added to playlist: Friend of the Devil, Truckin'
Elvis Presley
5/5
Listened before? N
Peak Elvis! This is my second Elvis album and it’s amazing beginning to end!
David Bowie
3/5
Well, well, well it’s Bowie!
I enjoyed this album but I feel like it needs me to listen to it more before I judge it. Some parts I really grooved to and some were not my favorite. His voice is truly special, though.
Added to Library? N
Songs Added to Playlist: Drive in Saturday, Cracked Actor
Taylor Swift
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Oh Taylor! You were "better" as a country artist, but I have to admit, this album is pretty dang good.
Pros: Lets see, there's about 6 absolute certified bangers on this album, and there's only 13 songs! Well done vocals and decent wordplay. It's a solid pop album.
Cons: "Out of the Woods" almost makes me stop listening the album on its own. Repetition of subject matter, and feels a little bit dated.
I added this one to the library, then removed Out of the Woods.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: Wildest Dreams, Style
Ella Fitzgerald
2/5
Beautiful voice. Not my style. Couldn’t keep me interested on a busy Monday. Maybe I’ll revisit later.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Listened Before: N
70s British "Prog Rock". Okay. We'll see....
Pros: Not many. I like the format of one long song for the first side, and I like the lead singer's voice a lot.
Cons: Keyboards, and more keyboards... oh hey, lets add another layer of KEYBOARDS! Yikes. Not good. I felt like I was at a tent revival. I would call this less "prog rock" and more Experimental. No thanks. I'm willing to give them another shot if there's another album on the list but this is a hard no for me.
Added to Library: N
Songs added to Playlist: Jeremy Bender (because it's short).
4/5
Listened Before? N
I loved this album. A good first entry for classic 60s country western.
Pros: the title track is amazing, her voice is great, and the rebellious undertones were probably pretty fresh at the time.
Cons: slow in parts. If you’re not sad, the slow songs drag.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Library: Don’t Come Home a Drinkin…., I Got Caught.
Manic Street Preachers
4/5
Sigur Rós
1/5
I’m a lyrics guy, so I struggle with records that are instrumental or in a language I don’t understand. This one is not for me.
Coldplay
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Coldplay's debut album! I know this one.
Pros: This is a good album. Mellow and good lyrics. Feels like the early 2000s in a good way.
Cons: Some of the songs are too long. This album was surpassed by it's follow-up "A Rush of Blood to the Head", so it's hard to not compare it to the superior album.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: Yellow
Richard Hawley
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was a surprise! Never heard of the man or the album.
Pros: Wonderful old-school sound. They keyboards on some of the slower songs are chill-inducing. A nice mellow listen for a romantic evening or a melancholy day. I love the instrumental outtro of "Last Orders".
Cons: Some of the songs (Who's Going to Shoe Your Pretty Feet) are too long and meander a bit slowly to keep my interest, but it's a small gripe. I can skip it.
Songs added to Playlist: Just Like the Rain
Added To Library: N
Hawkwind
2/5
Listened before? N
Meh. It was okay. I’m sure it’s considered a prog rock classic but it’s a very tough intro to a band. Very long and difficult to understand lyrics. Maybe younger stoner me would have loved it?
Added to library? N
Tori Amos
5/5
Listened Before? Y
This… is one of my favorite albums of all time. Tori Amos in her prime. Complex lyrics that completely capture the emotions intended, beautifully composed and performed music. A classic.
Added to Library? Y
Cocteau Twins
2/5
Listened before?N
Unintelligible and nonsensical lyrics do nothing for me.
Franz Ferdinand
3/5
Listened Before? N
This one shaped up okay. I was NOT a fan of the first two tracks, but once Take Me Out kicked in, it got a lot better. I feel like the band put their filler tracks at the beginning.
Pros: Great retro sound that was popular in the early 2000's and kinda sparked the modern "indie" sound. Good energy. Take Me Out and This Fire brought this one from a 1 * to a 3 * on their own.
Cons: As mentioned - the first two tracks had me wondering if I was going to make it through. They're repetitive and boring. Take Me Out stands FAR above the rest of the album. I feel like this band didn't meet their potential.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist - Take Me Out, This Fire
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Listened Before? N
Good album. I enjoyed the style and substance. There are some great cameos on this one too.
Paul Simon
5/5
Listened Before? N
This turned out to be an amazing album. It feels like the 80s, but it's timeless in its musical composition and eclectic sound. Everyone is familiar with You can Call Me Al, but the rest of the record is just more of the same! I never knew. This is why I am doing this project.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: You Can Call Me Al, Graceland
Gorillaz
3/5
Pretty good. A little long.
Metallica
5/5
Didn’t need to listen to this one to rate. I’ve heard it hundreds of times. Metallica is my favorite band.
Songs added to playlist: No Leaf Clover, One
Curtis Mayfield
2/5
Listened before? N
Well, it was better than the first CM album. Still not great. Instrumentation was good.
Songs added to playlist: Pusherman
Nine Inch Nails
3/5
Listened Before? Y
I have heard this album a lot of times. I own the CD from the 90's, and it was one I listened to semi-regularly. That being said, NIN never really became one of my favorite bands.
Pros: Catchy for industrial music. Angsty teenage me loved the anti-establishment messages. Mentally ill me loved the bleakness of it. Today, I just like that I can make it through the album but don't feel a need to force myself to.
Cons: It hasn't aged in my life particularly well. I'm a much happier person now than I was when this released so it doesn't ring as true. "Closer" - oh wow, what an overplayed song. Thanks, corporate radio!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Piggy, March of the Pigs
Common
2/5
Listened Before?N
Meh. Better than some, but it takes a LOT to crack my rap preferences.
Pretty juvenile for the most part, it has its moments.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: The Light
Beastie Boys
5/5
Listened before? Y
Another amazing beginning to end album. These guys were so talented as a group. I hope we get some music from the remaining two someday although that looks like a long shot. RIP MCA.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: Sure Shot, Root Down
CHIC
4/5
Listened Before? P
Well, THIS was a surprise. I loved this album. Solid funk/disco stuff from the 70s. Awesome!
Pros: Groovy, catchy, danceable songs beginning to end. Not too long!
Cons: Not many. Maybe the individual length of some of the songs, but for the big hit on the record: Good Times, I know for a fact a radio edit exists.
Added to Library? Y
Songs Added to Playlist: Good Times,
The Isley Brothers
3/5
Listened Before? N
Great, mellow stuff. I've heard individual songs before but never the whole album. This was a nice listen.
Added to Library? N
Song added to Playlist: Summer Breeze (1&2)
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Good stuff. Not right in my wheelhouse but very listenable.
Morrissey
3/5
Listened Before: N
I came in with preconceived notions about Morrisey and I have to say, I was a bit wrong.
Pros: This was more of a rocker than I thought I would be getting from the former Smiths frontman. The first song, especially, was almost a grunge song. I can say I actually liked the rest of this well enough to listen a second time. His voice pretty great as well..
Cons: Morrisey comes off pretentious in everything I've ever listened to. This album is no different. However, I think maybe if I lighten up a bit, it comes off a bit more just sarcastic. The cover of this album is ridiculous, too. Apparently he thought he was pretty hot shit.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: "You're Gonna Need Someone on Your Side", "Certain People I Know"
Sparks
2/5
Listened Before? N
Whooo boy where to start with this one? It was unique and fun at the beginning, but wow did it stall out about song 4.
Pros: Unique and a couple bangers in the beginning.
Cons: Falsetto and repitition... it feels like a novelty album.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: This Town Ain't Big Enough for The Both Of Us
Funkadelic
4/5
Listened Before? N
WOW! The title track just blew my face off! The rest of the album is pretty good, but the first song is a crazy face-melting classic. Didn't expect that.
Added to Library? P
Songs added to Playlist: Maggot Brain
Rod Stewart
4/5
Listened Before? P
Ah yeah! Rod Stewart! I love him. This is an early one, and he's still got his edge. I really enjoyed it. Not many cons to this one. I've never listened to it front-to-back before. I will likely do it many more times in the future.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: Maggie May, (Find A) Reason To Believe
Talking Heads
4/5
Listened Before? N
Talking Heads! I like these guys.
Pros: I love the sound. They're good at what they do. This early stuff is even better than their well-known things.
Cons: Can get repeaty at times. If you're not in the mood for the sound of one song, you won't be in the mood for any of them.
Added to Library? Y
Songs Added to Playlist: Found a Job, Take me to the River
Van Halen
3/5
Listened Before? P
Whoooo doggies! This one is a scorcher from beginning to end. They were on so much coke they squeezed an hour of music into 35 minutes! Gotta love the 80's!
Pros: Pretty much front-to-back good songs. Absolutely KILLER guitar sound and skills from EVH. He was one of the great ones. Ice Cream Man is an underrated gem.
Cons: Unfortunately, the rating for this album is going to be wrecked by mainstream rock radio again... much like AC/DC's Highway to Hell... There are 4 or 5 songs on this album that got absolutely RAILROADED into the ground over the past four decades. I didn't skip them on this listen, but almost definitely will in the future. At least You Really Got Me is short!
Added to Library? P
Songs added to Playlist: You Really Got Me, Ice Cream Man
Dexys Midnight Runners
2/5
Listened Before? N
This is interesting. Not really for me, but interesting. Reminds me of when I used to be cool.
Pros: Early Ska and late Punk influences here make it a historical piece. Some of the horns are very nice sounding.
Cons: The vocals are not particularly nice, and they're not enunciated well so I don't know what he's singing about. The slow songs are a terrible grind to get through.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Tell Me When My Light Turns Green, Geno
Michael Jackson
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Awww yeah! MJ at his peak!
Pros: An all-time classic. The songs, the image, and the (unseen here) dancing are tip-top.
Cons: The non-hits aren't amazing, but the hits are just over the top good so it can be overlooked.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Man in the Mirror, Smooth Criminal
T. Rex
3/5
Listened Before? N
The genesis of Glam Rock, according to Wikipedia!
Pros: Loved the glam sound and the consistency of the album. This one surprised me. I will probably listen to it again.
Cons: Difficult to understand lyrics, and lots of repetition. Not too bad overall, though.
Songs added to Playlist: The Slider
LCD Soundsystem
2/5
Big giant MEH from me. It had some decent moments but I didn’t care for it overall.
Ian Dury
3/5
Odd and unexpected. Will revisit someday.
Funkadelic
1/5
Bullshit. Impossible to find. Obscure albums with slim availability shouldn’t be on the list. If I could, I would give 0/10 since I can't even listen to it...
George Michael
4/5
Listened before ? N
Great album! Reminds me of my childhood.
Pros: This dude's voice was pure magic. This album was enjoyable from beginning to end. Freedom is a timeless classic. Oh, and also he's a gay icon to boot!
Cons: not much to dislike here.
Added to Library? Y
2Pac
5/5
Listened Before? N
This is one I've been wanting to listen to, and putting off since literally the 90's. I've always been a fan of 2pac's style but never listened to a full album.
Pros: This is an amazing record. The subject matter ranges from typical gangsta faire to personal therapy sessions. 2pac was a special talent. He makes the unrelatable relatable.
Cons: Nothing much. Some terminology didn't hold its relevance, but this is a great snapshot of the mid-90s.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Library: Me Against the World, Dear Mama
Venom
4/5
Listened Before? N
Well, I got an education this morning!
This record, and band, are a major part of the sound of the early 80s NWOBHM that influenced the big thrash artists in the US.
Pros: This record sounds like primitive Motorhead! The lyrics are brutally unapologetic. The thrash sound is awesome!
Cons: They kind of sound like edgy teens at times, but hey, it was the 80s and people weren't nearly as jaded then. The album sounds like it was recorded in someone's garage! Also, what's with the weird fade-in on track 1?
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: To Hell and Back, Raise the Dead
Ice Cube
5/5
Listened Before? N
Another rap classic this week! I'm loving it.
Pros: This album is straight up amazing. Ice Cube was one of the last true old-school gangsta rap records. A few weeks later, Dr. Dre dropped The Chronic and changed literally everything. This album got overshadowed IMO... this record deserved more attention than it got (probably mostly from white people).
This was released in the same year as the LA riots and the Rodney King trial, and it shows. Ice Cube was PISSED, in a good way.
Cons: A couple of outdated slurs here and there but its a sign of the times.
Added to Library? Y
Songs Added to Playlist: It Was a Good Day, Check Yo Self
Stereolab
1/5
Ok so first of all.... this album is listed as "rock". I mean... I guess it's "rock" if your version of rock includes dance beats and 80% keyboards.
Also: It's in French so again, as I've said before, it's a non-starter for me. I listened to the first song and then about 10 seconds of each additional song to make sure none were in English. Now I'm done. 1/5 stars for the purposes of the list. I'm sure some Frenchman can tell me how good it actually is but I don't care.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
This was an interesting one. I enjoyed it. Not going into heavy rotation but it didn’t suck.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
Listened before? N
I've heard of these guys before but never really listened to them. This one was pretty good! Reminds me of Echo and the Bunnymen a bit. I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? Y
Songs Added to Playlist: Happy When it Rains, April Skies
2/5
Meh it was okay. Kinda like a British tori amos I guess? Forgettable.
Massive Attack
4/5
Listened Before? N
Pros: This was a great surprise! I've never listened to these people before at all. I'm usually not a fan of all electronic stuff, but they use the vocals so well over the top that it pulls it together very nicely. I think this is the best electronic music I've heard.
Cons: Some songs drag a bit.
Added to Library? N
Songs Added to Playlist: Protection, Three
Pearl Jam
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This one! This is the good stuff! I love this album. It's front-to-back bangers and 90s nostalgia. This album FEELS like 1992. I love it.
Added to Library? Y
Songs Added to Playlist: Even Flow, Once
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Listened Before? N
Another surprise from this list. I'm not sure what I expected from the Flaming Lips, but this was not it. This album is incredibly solid. The sound is unique, AND it's a rock opera/concept album with a story: one of my favorite things. I highly enjoyed this one and will be listening to it quite a bit.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1
Radiohead
3/5
Listened Before? Y
This is the inferior little brother to OK Computer. It's okay. I kind of agree with the reviewers that found it a bit pretentious. However... it IS a good record. Radiohead is allowed to be pretentious after the massive success they had with OKC anyway.
It's a nice art piece, but I'm a lyrics guy and this album went with the nonsensical approach. I would never listen to this when I could just listen to the one before it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Everything in it's Right Place
Mike Ladd
1/5
Listened Before? N
Seems like this guy put a lot of effort in here. I hope he mad lots of money. I won't be listening again, I did not enjoy it.
Talvin Singh
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was a fun album. I'd have to be in the right mood to listen to it again.
It wasn't the worst thing I've heard, but not really my style. Edgy beats mixed with indian music. Shrug.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Light
Sebadoh
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good indie record. I'd never heard of these guys before but it seems it's a member of Dinosaur Jr.'s side project. You can't get much more hipster than that lol. I didn't hate it at all. Some parts are abrasive but you have to understand they probably weren't taking it all that seriously. Parts sound like Nirvana without distortion, which shouldn't be a surprise for 1993.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Soul and Fire
The Lemonheads
3/5
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Listened Before? N
Beautiful album. Simple and stripped down, classic Springsteen subject matter. Not a happy one, but a good one. Lots of harmonica, reminds me of Dylan.
Added to library? Y
Songs added to playlist? Atlantic City
OutKast
2/5
Listened Before? N
These guys are OK. They have talent, but the sound is very dated now. If I were a previous fan I'd probably love it but never really got on board.
Added to Library? N
Song added to Playlist: Ms. Jackson
5/5
Well known to me!
I’m traveling today so I don’t have time for a review but rest assured I listened to it!
John Lee Hooker
3/5
The Doors
3/5
The Band
3/5
Pretty good, pretty 60s!
Added The Weight
Country Joe & The Fish
4/5
Listened Before? N
WOW! Another psychadelic surprise for me! Didn't expect to like this one as much as I did. Putting it into rotation.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: Death Sound, Porpoise Mouth
Blondie
4/5
Listened Before? N
This was a great listen! Debbie Harry had great range on this album. Everything from sugar-coated pop, to lounge-singer sultry, to punk rocker aggressive! I highly enjoyed it.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: Picture This, Heart of Glass
ZZ Top
3/5
Listened Before? N
Solid listen. These guys have always intrigued me because of their close relationship with the blues. While some songs on this album just don't work, there are some great highlights here. La Grange of course, but I particularly like the distortion-drenched "Jesus Just Left Chicago"
Added to Library? P
Songs added to Playlist: Jesus Just Left Chicago, La Grange
Kate Bush
3/5
Listened Before? N
Well, I see where Tori Amos got her sound now. Pretty much a straight rip of this sound. Here’s the thing though, I’ll always like Tori better because I grew up with her. Her topics are edgier too, which I like.
That being said, this is decent. It’s a little bit repetitive in some songs but overall good. I love this version of running up that hill!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Running Up That Hill
Johnny Cash
4/5
The Fall
2/5
I imagine this is some sort of insane popular fad music from the 90s in England.
For me, it’s awful.
Cat Stevens
3/5
Really enjoyable. I was familiar with Wild World but nothing else. This one was inoffensive, but not enthralling enough for me to add to library.
Songs added to Playlist: Wild World
Death In Vegas
2/5
This album is a giant MEH for me. What is with all these late 90s-early 2000s british "rock" records lately. Droning and pretentious.
Only redeeming quality is it's short.
Song added to Playlist: Dirge
Garbage
3/5
Yep. Sounds of 90s radio stations. That's about all I can say. They're decent sometimes. Post-grunge sound is overdone during those years and these were the leaders. It's well written and recorded and that helps.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist - Stupid Girl
Dire Straits
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wonderful record. Mellow but rocking at the same time. Lead guitar is an album-long face melter.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Down to the Waterline, Sultans of Swing
Arcade Fire
2/5
Meh. Not a fan really. Early 2010s hipster drivel.
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3/5
Pretty good! More fun 60s stuff!
Pulp
2/5
Listened Before? N
Annnd even MORE britpop. I cant roll my eyes any more than I already am. Apparently the person who compiled this list is a gen-x British guy. Its the only excuse I can think of for all the late-70's thru early 90's brit stuff.
Anyway, this album sounds like all the rest of them. The title track was okay. Other than that, a solid MEH.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Different Class
Fiona Apple
3/5
Miles Davis
3/5
Tangerine Dream
4/5
Listened Before? N
HEY! I know these guys! They did the soundtrack for Legend back in the 80s. This is good stuff, especially as far as electronic music goes. I loved it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Mysterious Semblance at the Strand of Nightmares
Goldfrapp
4/5
Listened Before? N
This was actually great! A little weird at first but they have a unique sound and I love it.
Added to Library? N
Song added to Playlist: A&E
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Boring.
David Bowie
4/5
Awesome!
Nick Drake
3/5
Stan Getz
2/5
Love
4/5
The Police
4/5
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
Pretty good funky stuff! Not really my thing but inoffensive.
a-ha
5/5
Listened Before? N
How is it possible that I have never listened to this whole album before now? I have no clue. Take on Me is one of my all time favorite songs, but I never went beyond that.
This is a synth-pop classic! Most songs are good or great, and there are a few real gems!
Added to Library? Y
Songs Added to Playlist - Take on Me, The Sun Always Shines on T.V.
Suede
2/5
Oh shocker, it’s another British indie album. I’m good, count me out. I listened to it and nearly fell asleep from the repetition and mumbling.
Fiona Apple
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty decent. Much better than the previous album. Criminal and Shadowboxer are well known singles in the US. They're good. I also really like Sleep to Dream. All that said, I don't understand why an artist like Fiona Apple has multiple entries on the list.
Added to Library? N
Song added to Playlist: Sleep to Dream, Shadowboxer
Keith Jarrett
3/5
Listened Before? N
Well, this was a surprise. I actually enjoyed this jazz piano album more than I thought I would. It does feel very 70s to me, but that may be because I've heard it before when I was a kid and didn't realize it or something.
Anyway it was solid and not boring or repetitive. My highest rating for an album without vocals.
Added to Library? N
Pulp
2/5
More British indie rock. No thanks.
Nirvana
4/5
Listened Before? Y
YES! This is a great album. It has it's moments of irritation (like Scentless Apprentice with all the screaming), but overall it's phenomenal and captures late GenX angst perfectly.
Added to Collection? Y (was already there)
Songs Added to Playlist: Serve The Servants, Very Ape
Prince
4/5
Listened Before?: N
This is an all time classic. I've never listened to it beginning to end but I really enjoyed it. Not much else to say. It's Prince.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Let's Go Crazy, Purple Rain.
Fatboy Slim
2/5
Man, if these guys could JUST have shortened up some of these songs I would have loved it. But the endless 6-7 minute repeating is not going to do it for me.
Song added to Playlist: Praise You
Kanye West
4/5
Listened Before? N
This was a fantastic album. I have never heard a single song by Kanye, and this was a good intdroduction.
That said, I will probably never listen to it again. I'm usually capable of separating the art from the artist but in this case I don't want to. I already didn't like Kanye, so there's no need to put in some effort to forget he's a giant douche.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: None. I won't give him money.
Lou Reed
4/5
The Dictators
4/5
Fun little album. Quick listen, never heard of them before but I like it a lot from a simplistic proto-punk point of view.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: (I Live For) Cars and Girls
David Bowie
3/5
Green Day
5/5
Kate Bush
2/5
Nah. Like I said the last Kate Bush album, i'll take Tori Amos any day. Kate is too weird for me.
The White Stripes
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Okay so.... it took me a while to appreciate this album. I actually quite enjoy it now. It's not too long, and it's pretty simple while maintaining a lot of complexity. Good stuff!
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist? We're Going To Be Friends, Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground
Butthole Surfers
3/5
Listened Before? N
Oh Butthole Surfers. It's a blast from the past. A friend of mine in high school was a huge fan, so I'm conditioned to the experimental wierdness. I don't mind this record, but I wouldn't actively seek to listen to most of it. The major highlight for me is (surprise, surprise) Human Cannonball since it's the most cohesive thing on the record.
Overall, not my favorite but I can tolerate it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Human Cannonball
Milton Nascimento
1/5
Non English. Not interested.
John Coltrane
4/5
Listened Before? N
This was a huge surprise. I loved it! Complex and not too repetitive.
Added to Library?
Joni Mitchell
2/5
Listened Before? N
This was a very sleepy album. Slow and mellow. I doubt I'll listen to it again, just because nothing really stood out to me.
Added to Library? N
Finley Quaye
3/5
Listened Before? N
Unique without being art-rock? Check. An eclectic sound? Check. A singer that has a good voice? Check.
I really liked this one. It's kind of forgettable overall, just because there's no pure bangers here, but very listenable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Supreme I Preme
Metallica
5/5
Listened Before? Y
Ah yes, another record from my favorite band of all time.
This one is near flawless IMO. Pure magical speed metal with intelligent lyrics.
Added to Library? It was already there
Songs added to Playlist: Blackened, Dyer's Eve
Beatles
5/5
Listened Before:
This album is a gem. Literally any song on here could have been released as a single and probably gone to number one. Solidly written, well produced, and the performance is... well it's the Beatles.
Added to Library? N (Not really my style)
Songs added to Playlist: Please Mister Postman, All My Loving
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Listened Before? N
CCR was truly great as far as southern rock and blues fusion goes. John Fogerty had the perfect voice, and his voice added power and life to songs that otherwise wouldn't have been very exciting. This is a great record.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Lodi, Tombstone Shadow
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Listened Before? N
Another day, another banger. The Stones are awesome. They are just one of the most consistently good rock n roll bands, and they've kept it going for half a century or more now. This is early work, and it's a good one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Sympathy for the Devil
Ravi Shankar
3/5
Listened Before? N
Indian sitar music! This was pretty dang cool even without lyrics. It was calming an unobtrusive. I may listen to this one again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Dadra
Air
4/5
Listened Before? N (Except during the movie)
Well... wow. It's been years since I've seen this movie and I forgot how atmospheric and amazing the music is. Anyone who has seen the movie can feel the setting and story of the movie returning as this record plays on. Suicide Underground has the narration/monologue and it really pulls the whole thing together. Amazing.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Library: Playground Love (of course), Suicide Underground
Violent Femmes
4/5
Listened Before? Y
YES! Perfect listening for a Friday! This brings me back to my high school days. Dripping with nostalgia and a great album to boot. VF is the worst sounding good band out there, IMO.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Kiss Off, Add it Up
Manic Street Preachers
2/5
Listened Before? N
This one was better than the other one I've listened to by this band (The Holy Bible). It's kinda like Smashing Pumpkins and Oasis had a baby. I reckon it's okay. Not my favorite but listenable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Library: A Design for Life
Caetano Veloso
2/5
Listened Before? N
Ehhhh... non-english stuff again. I gather from wiki that this is some sort of groundbreaking album. I don't know what it is and I don't speak Portuguese so it's very "meh" to me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Tropicalia
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Listened Before? N
This is a good album! I really enjoyed it. Good flow, nice production. It feels like the 90s to me. Good nostalgic feeling. This is especially wonderful for a debut album. That being said, it's not really something I'll probably just put on and listen to. Maybe occasionally.
Added to Library?
Songs added to Playlist - Can I Kick It?
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Listened before? N
I really loved this album. Perfect vibe for the day and really mellow and relaxing. Thanks, Bob!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Stir it Up
The Flaming Lips
3/5
Listened Before? N
More of the same from Flaming Lips. I like their sound but im not super into it so I think the one album I've been listening to will do without adding this one. Decent performance, though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Race for the Prize
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
Listened Before? N
Hey this was alright. I remember the time period this came out, and it was largely praised. It does have a good sound, like the reviews say, it's "garage rock" sounding. Pretty jammy. Here's the thing for me, though.. I don't like NY enough to really love it. His style is pretty same-y on every song. Its good, but it gets old after a while.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Country Home
Magazine
2/5
Listened Before? N
This was weird and noisy. I've heard worse, but I wouldn't listen to it again. Apparently I don't like the 1970s music much.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Shot by Both Sides
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was pretty good. I didn't even know some of these songs were by Stevie Wonder. I see why this is a classic. The only drawback I found was that one of those songs I didn't know was by SW is "Sir Duke". There's just something about this song that I can't stand. It's so repetitive. I'm not saying it's bad, it's just not for me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: I Wish
The Who
4/5
Listened Before? N
I actually really liked this album. It was very easy to listen to and includes a few CLASSIC songs in "Baba O'riley", "Won't Get Fooled Again", and "Behind Blue Eyes". The latter of the three was ruined for me by Limp Bizkit back in the 90's, but the other two have definitely stood the test of time.
The rest of the album is fairly unknown, but of high quality. I may listen to this again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Won't Get Fooled Again, Baba O'riley.
Iggy Pop
2/5
This was just okay. I get that he's an icon but I don't really understand it.
Nirvana
5/5
Listened Before? Y
This is an amazing classic. Nirvana was a great band, and this is their best, least chaotic, and most well-arranged performance IMO. The cameos from the Meat Puppets and the songs they covered are a major highlight.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: The Man Who Sold the World, Plateu
TV On The Radio
2/5
Listened Before? N
Mehhhhhhh. Not my style. Also, another generic British electronic/rap/modern rock mashup? I'm good.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: DLZ
Fred Neil
3/5
Listened Before? N
I have never heard of Mr. Neil before. This was an interesting listen. Started out soulful and somewhat innocent in the beginning. Imagine my surprise when, by the end of the album, we had a song about cocaine and an 8-minute jam session including sitars. Who knew?
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist - That's the Bag I'm In
Dr. Octagon
2/5
Listened Before? N
This album feels ahead of it's time. The styles are cool and it flows nicely. HOWEVER, the overarching sexual themes are just 'meh' for me. I think I'm jaded. Oh well.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Earth People
Pink Floyd
5/5
An all time classic, and one of my favorites ever.
The Beach Boys
4/5
Listened Before? N
Concise and tight, well written and classic sounding. I loved this album. It's not my style enough to add it to my library but it was a pleasure to hear. MUCH better than their later works. I preferred the stereo version to the original mono version. I realize this won't be the case for everyone.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Dance, Dance, Dance
Tim Buckley
3/5
Listened Before? N
This one was FUNKY. It was alright... kind of overtly sexual and good sex music probably. After reading his history I'd really be more interested in checking out some of his earlier stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Move With Me
Erykah Badu
2/5
Listened Before? N
I know who she is, and I've heard a song by her back in the day, but I've never paid much attention. This is not really my style. It's okay, and I don't hate listening to it, but I'll never listen to it again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Didn't Cha Know
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2/5
Listened Before? N
I've heard of Nick Cave a million times. He's a guy who always seems to be playing in concerts that are just before or just after concerts I go to in the same venue. I have never listened to him. If this album is representative of his work, I see why. It was sleepy, slow, and boring. Decent lyrics but I couldn't listen to it for fun.
Neil Young
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty Boring. I get that he was at a dark place in his life during this period, but I just can't get into it. I just don't think NY is my style. His lyrics start to sound very samey to me after a while, and his voice is not very dynamic.
I'm going to guess by the overall listening stats of the songs on this album that it's one of his hardcore fans' favorite records. Not for me, unfortunately.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Tonight's the Night (Part II)
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Listened Before? N
I liked this! Im not high enough to enjoy it fully but I might try later! The lyrics range from serious to silly, and the music has good range.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Avalanche
Ray Charles
4/5
Listened Before? N
I'm a man of few words today but this one was good. Nice and mellow. I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Come Rain or Come Shine
The Byrds
4/5
Listened Before? N
WOW! These guys are good! It's the most sixties sounding thing I've ever heard. I'm assuming they influenced an entire generation of musicians. I could listen to this all day.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: My Back Pages, So You Want to be A Rock 'N Roll Star
Ghostface Killah
3/5
Listened Before? N
Man, I really liked this as far as modern-ish rap albums go. He's got a unique style. That being said, some of the collabs and especially the extended cuts on Amazon are really bad. Just a keyboard sample with unorganized rapping over it. I'll give him a break though because that was clearly not part of the intended album.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Shakey Dog
Stereo MC's
4/5
Listened Before?N
This album made me miss the 90's! I really enjoyed it. It got a bit repetitive sounding the further it went, but overall not bad. I'll consider putting some of this in a party rotation. That first track is an absolute iconic banger!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Connected
Beck
2/5
Listened Before? N
This one was kind of boring. I've been listening to Beck's stuff off and on since his first album. None of them have ever done anything for me like that first one. I think I'll pass on this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Lost Cause
The National
2/5
Listened Before? N
So I'm not sure if this was an album or one long-ass song. It was slow, dragging, mumbly... freaking early 2010s hipster music. Not good. Like, it's okay for about 3 songs and then it just becomes background droning.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bloodbuzz Ohio
Kraftwerk
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was a fun early electronic album! Even though it was released in the 70's, it has a distinct 80's sound to it. I liked it quite a bit. I broke down and added the title track to my playlist even though its 23 minutes long. Oh well.
Added to library? N
Songs added to playlist: Autobahn
Aphex Twin
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh, it was pretty good for electronica. There's been a lot of electronic stuff lately. I'm hoping it gets better. This one was tolerable, but still pretty lame.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Xtal (cause it's short)
The War On Drugs
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was pretty decent. Nice and mellow (a "vibe" as the kids say). Nothing stood out to me but it's well written and not bad to listen to. Strong U2 vibes but I far prefer Bono's vocals. This dude is hard to understand sometimes. Overall, I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Under the Pressure
N.W.A.
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This is a straight up gangsta rap classic. The amount of talent on this record is incredible. There's almost no bad parts at all. Very violent and somewhat dated (mostly misogyny), but I enjoy it a lot.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Straight Outta Compton
3/5
Listened Before? Y
I'm well familiar with this album, having owned it when it was originally popular. I like it, its not amazing but it's okay for a listen now and then. Britpop and American influences combine to make a good sounding band.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Don't Look Back in Anger
Lambchop
2/5
Listened Before? N
Well, this album definitely has a British vibe to it, despite being American. It's easy to see why they were more popular in England than the US. For me, it's a bit too slow and sleepy. There's some neat sounding disco-style keyboards. It's not awful, just not my cup of tea (no pun intended).
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Grumpus
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2/5
Listened Before? N
This is a strange album. It's almost 100% unlistenable for me. The screeching, repetitive, simplistic vocals are AWFUL. This is some hipster tripe from the early 2000s. That being said, Maps is an absolute banger. I don't understand how they could release a trash pile album like this, with a single song that stands head, shoulders, waist and knees above the rest.
EDIT: I spoke too soon, Y Control is slightly better as well. Still, this is a solid 2/5, with only the two mentioned songs saving it from a dismal 1/5.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Maps
Beatles
4/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty darn good! I quite enjoyed this one, and I know it's considered a classic, so that may have biased me but I really liked it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Drive My Car
Daft Punk
2/5
Listened Before? N
This one is not really my style. I do like a couple of the songs but they get old pretty quickly.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Arond the World
Fats Domino
3/5
Man, I lost my review on this one. I don't want to rewrite it. This was decent 50s teeny bopper music.
The Clash
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This is an amazing album. I picked it up on cassette at a thrift store in the 90's and listened to it religiously for a few years. I haven't listened since I got rid of the car with the cassette player in it. I absolutely love it, and it's one of my early exposures to punk.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: London Calling
David Bowie
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was a good album. Pretty experimental, but that's probably to be expected from what I know of Bowie. I really enjoyed it and it had an extra sting of melancholy because he knew his time was short when he recorded it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Lazarus
Joan Baez
3/5
Listened Before? N
I have heard OF Joan Baez, but I've never heard Joan Baez. She's an extremely talented singer. This was a very good album and I really like all the folk songs she covered here. The only gripe I have is that her range is fairly limited so it starts to sound samey after a while. I'm sure she improved later in her career. Enjoyable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist:
Sonic Youth
3/5
Listened Before? N
So Sonic Youth is a band I've heard much about (being a GenXer), but I have never listened to. Now I see what the hype was. They were basically making the music that would become the hot alternative rock of the 90s, early. All this with very little fanfare. That being said, they were a little bit experimental on this album, and their average 6-7 minute song length put me off. Overall not bad, but I understand why they never gained the notoriety of some of the bands that made catchier music. Side note: "Total Trash" is exactly that. At least they were self-aware.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Silver Rocket
David Bowie
5/5
Listened Before? N
Freaking BRAVO, Bowie! This is my Fifth Bowie album, and it feels MILES beyond some of the others I've listened to. Yes, I gave Aladdin Sane a 4, but this one.. is a masterpiece. 5/5.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Golden Years
The Pogues
4/5
Listened Before? N
This is like primitive Dropkick or Flogging Molly! I like it a lot. I wasn't expecting to hear banjo in a British punk album, but there it is.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn, The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
The Last Shadow Puppets
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was a pretty nice symphonic pop album. A little bit of good electronica mixed in as well. It didn't stand out from the crowd, but it was definitely very listenable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Calm Like You
Louis Prima
4/5
Listened Before? N
Holy wow! This was soo good! I love the swing style here and the band and singers are all top-notch. Another highly rated 50s album for me. Looks like I was missing out on a whole decade!
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Just a Gigilo, Jump, Jive and Wail
Jethro Tull
2/5
Listened Before? N
Okay, so I have a personal vendetta against these guys since they beat Metallica for the "metal" Grammy in 89. Notwithstanding that, this album was okay but I'm not a fan of the "rock flute" sound so it was very meh for me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Aqualung
Adele
4/5
Listened Before? N
I've heard selections from this album, and the first track was SO overplayed when it was current that it makes me want to NOT like the album... but in spite of that, I really enjoyed it. When We Were Young is my favorite, and that's what I've added to the playlist.
Added to Library? N
OutKast
1/5
Listened Before? N
Just... AWFUL. Why is this on this list? These guys are literally two-hit wonders, and this album has 39 tracks????? NO! Absolutely not. It was terrible and I couldn't even finish it.
Added to Library? HAHAHAHAH NO
Songs added to playlist: Hey Ya (just because I had to)
Van Halen
4/5
Listened Before: Y
Blistering, break-neck pacing from one of the tightest rock bands of all time. Eddie and DLR in their prime here. This is an absolute scorcher from beginning to end. Even the "ballad" is a rocker. Even in the spots where it loses its edge a bit, it's still pretty darn good. And it's short!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Panama, Hot For Teacher
Tim Buckley
2/5
Listened Before? N
Maybe I'm not hip to the musical environment of early 1969, but this album was boring to me. Very sleepy and mellow. I'm sure it has its place, but I couldn't get into it very well. I kind of liked Buzzin' Fly, but wikipedia claims this was written much earlier, and doesn't match the rest of the album. *shrug*. Pretty un-memorable stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Buzzin' Fly
The Smiths
3/5
Listened Before? N
Well, here we are again, Morrisey. Your talent is over the top. Your lyrics are mediocre, and your attitude is a piece of shit. I somewhat enjoyed this album, but it lacks range and it lacks originality even for its time. I probably won't ever listen to it again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: There is a Light that Never Goes Out
System Of A Down
4/5
Listened Before? N
Not everyone is going to like this one... The style of music and the singer's voice can be very polarizing. That being said, here's my thoughts: The pacing on this album is incredible. At times, it crawls, only to break free into an unrestrained sprint, before returning to a crushing crawl. Tankian's voice moves from a deep guttural growl to a high squeak effortlessly. I liked this album a lot more than I had presumed I would. I'm more familiar with their later work but this is quite a bit better in my book.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sugar
Pixies
3/5
Listened Before? N
Nice NSFW album cover there, Pixies. So, like many GenXers I have heard of the Pixies. I have never listened to them that I remember. My comments are that it sounds a lot like a plethora of other late 80s-early 90s alt/garage rock. It was alright, not really my style 100% but I think teenage me would have loved it, and so I give it an extra star.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Where is My Mind
Dolly Parton
3/5
Listened Before? N
Well, this is some 80's country if I've ever heard any! But, this album is exploding with talent. These three were all big names of their day, and their collaboration comes off extremely well! Dolly, of course, is the standout here, but the other two lend their voices to the album beautifully. I loved this, especially the more upbeat songs. That said: that's what the album is missing. More upbeat numbers. The Pistol Annies did the three-female collaboration better, years later.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Those Memories of You
Portishead
3/5
Listened Before? N
I am familiar with Portishead from their earlier works, and knew someone in the past who exposed me to them. This album is okay. They're really not up my alley, but I can appreciate it. Good production quality, writing, and performance.
Added to Library? N
Song added to playlist: Hunter
The Clash
4/5
Listened Before: Y
So I've heard this one quite a bit, and I like it. As a punk fan its got everything. Political lyrics, IDGAF attitude, short songs, many songs! I loved this. 70s british punk is hit and miss for me but this one is good and probably better than their more famous "London Calling".
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: White Riot, 48 Hours
The Replacements
2/5
Listened Before? N
Ehhhh... this was okay. After reading the wikipedia entry for this album it seems the band decided to tone down their formerly punk sound into some slower songs. I was not a fan. The slower songs drone on, and sound like a million other 80s indie rock acts. The remaining punk songs saved the record, though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Favorite Thing
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
Listened Before? N
I'm familiar with Ms. Faithfull from the Metallica song "The Memory Remains", and that's it. I always thought her voice sounded the way it did because she was older... turns out it's just like that. I am not a fan, and I don't understand what separates this album from any of the hundreds of other mediocre new wave albums that released during these years.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Guilt
The Zombies
3/5
Listened Before? N
This album was trippy, man! Lots of stereo separation for the sake of itself, and lots of acid-washed lyrics and organs. I enjoyed it but some of the stuff was a bit over-the-top. Butcher's Tale, in particular, could have done with a good dose of subtlety. It comes off as a shock track with super violent and uncomfortable lyrics. I see what the objective was, but many, many bands did political discourse against war better. So, you go through this whole album, and then you hit the last track "Time of the Season" which is completely out of place as a pop standard.... it seemed like a cash-in or sell out. Anyway, its the best song on the record, so that's what I've added to my playlist this time.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Time of the Season
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty meh. Better than the last one I got by him... Still infantile. I didn't like it enough to even remember a single song when it was over.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe
Otis Redding
4/5
Listened Before? N
A great album full of classic soul covers. I enjoyed this a lot. It's just staples front-to-back.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: My Girl
Roxy Music
2/5
Listened Before? N
Kind of un-memorable. It was okay. I don't know that I'd ever listen to it intentionally. Also, what's up with the NSFW covers from british bands in the 70s? Weird vibe.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Out of the Blue
1/5
Can't find this easily on Amazon. I'm not going to spend all day looking. After reading about it, this seems like one of the author's pet albums. I don't care even at all. Would give it 0 if I could.
Peter Tosh
4/5
Listened Before? N
Grooovy! It's nice to hear some alternate Reggae instead of Marley. Love the weed theme and it seems like he was quite the guy. His death was brutal and a wild story. "The Day the Music Died" - Jamaican Version. Incredibly sad.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Legalize It
Deee-Lite
3/5
Listened Before? N
Better than I expected! Pure early-90s dance goodness. Sometimes I miss music like this. Also: Groove is in the Heart is one of my favorite 90s songs.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Groove is in the Heart (duh)
The Cure
4/5
Listened Before? N
It's incredible to me that these guys have been around so long and making music that is consistently quality, and in some cases influential for the entire time. We all get older, the Cure is timeless. I've never heard this album before, but they're so consistent this could have been released in 1992 or 2002 instead of 1982. I enjoyed it!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: A Strange Day
Gang Of Four
4/5
Listened Before? N
Good solid album from post-punkers Gang of Four. I've never taken the time to listen to them before and I really enjoyed this one although I'm still a bit confused what separates punk from post-punk especially in the British sense. *shrug* Maybe just the poppier beats, but The Clash was big on those...
Added to Library: N
Songs added to playlist: Damaged Goods
Soul II Soul
4/5
Listened Before? N
I believe this could have been one of the greatest albums of the late 80's/early 90's dance wave... had there been more material on it. There's 3 versions of every song it seems. I understand that that's probably what they were going for but it gets old by the 4th rendition of "However do you Want Me".
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: One of the "However do you Want Me's?"
Shuggie Otis
3/5
Listnened Before? N
I wasn't even aware that John Otis HAD a son, much less that he was a famous musician in his own rite. Now I know.
Great album, great funky sound, mixed with lots of electronics. I really loved this. Good mellow listen.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Aht Uh Mi Hed
The Byrds
3/5
Listened Before? N
Trippy, man! These guys are great. The 60's personified as a band. Sometimes mellow, sometimes trippy, sometimes intolerable (Moog Raga), and sometimes SAUCY - as in the polyamorous "Triad". It was pretty enjoyable beginning to end. A solid effort.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Goin' Back
Lana Del Rey
4/5
Listened Before? N
This was my first exposure to Lana Del Ray. I have to say, it was a pleasant surprise! At first, I thought I wasn't going to like it as it felt monotonous and slow... but then I started reading the lyrics along with the music, and WOW. Lyrically this album shines. The themes and stories are amazing. I loved it and will be listening to it again.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Radiohead
4/5
Listened Before? N
Radiohead definitely has a style. This one is no different. It makes me feel like I'm stoned out of my mind when completely sober. I actually don't mind this feeling, but it takes a certain day to want to feel that way. That being said, as an album, this one is fairly coherent and well made.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Weird Fishes, House of Cards
The Prodigy
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was pretty surprising. I mean, hardcore techno/dance is not really my thing but I didn't mind this one too much. It was good background music while I was working, and would probably make good party music.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Their Law
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
Listened Before? N
Political early-90s hip hop. It's cool hearing this looking back. These guys were very concerned with the issues of capitalism, entertainment, wars, etc. None of the subject matter has aged particularly well (They rail against television in what seems to be their most popular song, I wonder what they would have thought of the internet!)
The music is good, though, and it DOES hold up well. They have a great style. I liked listening to it, but probably won't go back just because of how dated it is.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Language of Violence
Santana
5/5
Listened Before? N
Whooooo weee! This one was HOT! Great album. Of course, I've heard Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va before... but the rest of this masterpiece grooves and smokes it's way through a too-short 37 minutes of awesome. Just wonderful.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Black Magic Woman
Fugees
2/5
Listened Before? Y
I owned this one back in the day and was fairly disappointed in it, honestly. Gave it another listen and am still disappointed in the lack of consistency.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ready or Not
R.E.M.
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Oh yeah. REM at their early best. This album has been in my semi-regular rotation since the 90s, so nothing really new for me here but it was a pleasure to listen to it again.
Added to Library? Was already there!
Songs added to playlist: It's the End of the World as we Know It, Oddfellows Local 151
Einstürzende Neubauten
3/5
Listened before? N
What a wild album! For being such an early industrial work, it sure is more complex and layered than most modern industrial stuff (which seems to just be metal for people who can't play string instruments). It ranges from songs that are a few seconds long, to the monster 8-minutes Kollaps. What a roller coaster. An absolute pioneer in their field.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sado-Masodub
Kate Bush
2/5
Listened Before? N
These Kate Bush albums are sooooo depressing and boring. I get it, she was a pioneer (of sorts). I've said it before and I'll say it again: Tori Amos may have stolen her style but she did it better and still does.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: This Woman's Work
Beach House
2/5
Listened Before? N
Very ethereal and dreamy. I found it a bit sleepy and uninspiring. It sounds like the early 2010s for sure. Lots of hipster experimentation back then and it shows through in this one. Not necessarily a bad thing, but others did it better.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Silver Soul
Queen
4/5
Listened Before? N
What is there to say about this album that hasn't already been said? From concept to execution, from composition to musicianship it is a very, very good record. I can't speak to how it stands in Queen's overall catalogue because I haven't heard the rest yet: but WHAT a start!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: You're My Best Friend, Bohemian Rhapsody
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Listened Before? N
An album that just FEELS like 60s NYC. Even to someone who wasn't there. These guys made magic when it came to their harmonies, and Simon's writing. I love this album. It has everything from low and slow ballads, to scathing political commentary.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: 59th Street Bridge Song, Scarborough Fair
Radiohead
4/5
Listened Before: Y
You can hear the shift toward the more "OK Computer" style here. There are some real gems on this album. Good stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: High and Dry, Fake Plastic Trees, My Iron Lung
Baaba Maal
2/5
Listened Before: N
Nope. I'm good. I'm giving this one extra star because of the great musicianship that is evident in my cursory listen. But it's 1/5 otherwise because why is it on this list? I did not need to hear this before I died.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Daande Lenol (because it's short).
The Temptations
3/5
Listened Before? N
Wow! This is the funky-ass shit! I love this album. 70's funk at the top of the game.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
Pixies
3/5
Listened Before? N
Oh this was a good one! I can hear the outgoing influence for every 90s alternative band ever. This makes me feel like I'm dating an alt-girl in 1992, in a good way. Fun times.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wave of Mutilation
Arrested Development
4/5
Listened Before? N
Great album. Good positive take on rap at a time when gangsta rap was dominating. I remember these days well, and I always liked these songs until they became overplayed. Now it's been long enough and I'm ready for it again. Well structured, and well performed.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: People Everyday
Thundercat
3/5
Listnened Before? N
I really liked this. It was modern but funky at the same time. Not something you'd expect in 2017. Retro fun.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Them Changes
Mudhoney
3/5
Listened Before? N
A grunge band I never really listened to, in their debut album. Pretty cool musical snapshot. I liked some of the songs a decent amount, but a lot of it is similar to Nirvana's Bleach. Simple and repetitive, with short songs. What this band lacks compared to Nirvana is Kurt Cobain's blistering guitars and primal screams. It normally wouldn't be fair to compare anyone to Nirvana, but these dudes were literally musical and time contemporaries.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: In 'n' Out of Grace
Paul Simon
5/5
Listened Before? N
Wow. I'm really sitting on the fence between 4 and 5 on this one. He nearly lost me with the first song.. but oh BOY did it come back strong. What a great artist and an amazing album. He was clearly talented because of his work with his partner Garfunkel before this, but this shows that he was the driving force behind a lot of their sound, along with adding his own diversity to the mix. A top tier record, I think I may even prefer it to his more polished later work.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Me and Julio
The Pharcyde
3/5
Listnened Before? N
Good album. Perfect alternative style to the gangsta rap of the era. I enjoyed it... although the themes were pretty juvenile at times it was better than murder and drugs 24-7.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Passin' me by
Kanye West
2/5
Listened Before? N
First of all, Kanye is crazy as fuck. I do not condone his actions or personal life.... ANYWAY, attempting to separate the artist from the art, this album is pretty solid. I wouldn't say I enjoyed it, per-se but I did find myself un-annoyed by it. I got excited when someone came out spitting fire on "Never Let Me Down"... then I realized it was Jay-Z not Kanye so that makes sense.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Never Let Me Down
Kacey Musgraves
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Country music is terrified of this woman. She's deeply intelligent and in-touch. She bares her soul on her records and doesn't do what any Nashville executive tells her to do. The result: pure gold and a giant middle finger. I own this album in two formats, and I listen to it all the time. This is another step in her evolution, and a step further from traditional country sound. This one is a winner.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Butterflies
Don McLean
3/5
Listened Before? N
This album is a mood. Once you get past the title track, the entire rest of the record feels like one long poem or song. It's pretty good, but it's too depressing for me today. I assume I would appreciate it more on a freezing cold, cloudy or rainy day.
That being said: the title song stands apart. Everyone knows it, everyone knows at least some of the words. It's an amazing song that somehow makes one feel nostalgic for a time they didn't even live in. The song is a 10/10, the rest of the album is about a 6/10. We'll average this out to a 3.4/5... which basically rounds to a 3.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: American Pie
The Who
3/5
Listened Before? N
Here, have a stiff dose of satire on a Thursday morning! This record is one I've never even thought to listen to because, well, I'm not really much of a Who fan. However, I'm a sucker for a good concept album, and this one is both: good and a concept. I really liked the radio commercials and you really started to feel like you were listening to a GTA radio station or something (or at least a 60s version of one). Odorono made me laugh out loud, and I Can See For Miles feels out of place because of it's seriousness. It's a wild ride.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Odorono
George Michael
5/5
Listened Before? Y
Oh yes!!! This album was iconic in the late 80s! Everyone was all up in arms about "I Want Your Sex", and now we've got WAP. You can't stop music. And you can't ignore the fact that this album is just literally banger after banger top to bottom. One of the greatest pop albums of all time? Certainly one of the best I've ever heard. He was a special talent.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: I Want Your Sex, Father Figure
Bob Dylan
3/5
Listened Before? N
Ah yes, 1990s Bobby D. This record is fairly well produced, but his voice had started to fade more by this point. I much prefer his older stuff from the 60s and 70s, but overall not a bad record. He's still an amazing musical storyteller and it shines through on a few of these songs, not the least of which is Highlands. I'd have added that one to my playlist but it clocks in at 16:31, so I went with the shorter option.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Not Dark Yet
Sepultura
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, did I ever sleep on this album and this artist. This came out when I was a tween, and I should have gobbled it up during middle-high school. I didn't. I think I just may not have been ready for it. It seemed scary to a kid who the most intense thing they listened to was a bit of Slayer. The singer's voice is scary to a kid of the early 90's.
Anyway, that being said, I'm now far beyond that and I have heard more extreme things on a Sunday morning. This album is a masterpiece of metal. I could tell from the first listen that I had been missing out. The musical talent and energy behind this recording is top-notch. Great stuff!
Added to Library: N (but I would have in the past)
Songs added to playlist: Desperate Cry
Jeff Beck
4/5
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
3/5
Listened Before? N
Weird name, decent album. It definitely reeks of the 90s, but I didn't mind it at all.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Visions of You
3/5
Listened Before? N
I have opinions about Dylan. He's great! in small doses. When he lines up a nearly two hour concert with so many long songs involved, it starts to blend together for me. Especially with all the harmonica involved. It just drones on. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate and love him, but THIS album got knocked down a star by its length and sameyness.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Like a Rolling Stone
The Kinks
3/5
Listened Before? N
It was okay. More mid-sixties british rock. I don't mind it, but I'll never listen to it again.
Added to Library? N
Song added to Playlist: Sunny Afternoon
Slipknot
3/5
Listened Before: Y
Honestly, I didn't expect much Numetal on this list... although TBF this is my first album of numetal. However, I was kind of surprised to see it. It was pretty decent. Definitely a violent and talented introduction to the world for Slipknot.... Just not really my cup of tea. Better than some, but inferior just based on the genre.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wait and Bleed
The Blue Nile
3/5
Listened Before? N
I've only vaguely heard of these guys in passing from hardcore new-wave people. It sounds like a sleepier, slower version of Talking Heads. I enjoyed it alright but it was kind of mellow for me. Sounds like alot of modern pop.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Stay
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Listened Before? N
Ugh... MEH. Another slow, droning, europop album. Listen guys, it doesn't rain all the time in the rest of the world. Do some coke or something, lets GO.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Everybody Knows (except you)
Pavement
3/5
Listened Before? N
Hey, not bad! Indie rock isn't a thing for me.. but it feels nostalgic for the mid-90s. I liked it, and I really like "Cut Your Hair" since I've heard it before. Overall, I wouldn't just sit down and listen to it, but I liked it enough to finish it all the way.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Cut Your Hair
Radiohead
5/5
Listened Before? Y
Ohhh yes. This album and I go way back. I found Kid A earlier on this list, so I assumed this (superior) record would be coming at some point. This album is a complete album. It is one of the few things I can listen to and feel stoned even when I'm cold sober.... and when actually stoned, its something to get absolutely lost in. Amazing.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Karma Police
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Listened Before? N
Soul! Soul with an interesting format: 4 songs, all over 5 minutes, averaging about 9 minutes. Plus two single edits of two of the songs. I enjoyed it well enough, but it seemed a little short? Maybe a little lacking in the content department.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Walk On By (Single Edit)
The Waterboys
4/5
Listened Before? N
Good stuff. Kind of out of left field, but good. Unique style blending folk with traditional celtic music. I'm not sure a few of these songs needed to be 7-10 minutes long, but they are. It has the feel of a concert or a jam band, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I really enjoyed listening to this, and may again in the future.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Fisherman's Blues
Sepultura
2/5
Listened Before? N
I really enjoyed Arise, so it was surprising to me that I didn't enjoy this one as much. It seems the evolution of Sepultura was for them to get more extreme and to scream more. Also, adding in some Portuguese didn't help me enjoy it any more. Not really a fan of this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ratamahatta
Fela Kuti
1/5
Eh Nah.
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting album with an interesting story. It sounds like 70s stock music which I guess is what it is. I like it for nostalgia. Would listen again set to moans lol.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Okey Dokey
Madonna
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Of all the Madonna albums to pick, I'm not sure why this one is on the list, but I don't mind it. It's super mellow, and thats fine. It's a good vibe album. Minus points for the foreign language song, but otherwise not too bad. I loved Frozen back in the day and it still holds up, although 6+ minutes is a bit long.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sky Fits Heaven
Dolly Parton
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, what a great album! It has a very modern feel to it in a way, and it's very cohesive in it's themes. Dolly's voice is instantly recognizable and timeless. This was her in her prime, and it shows. Amazing beauty with amazing voice. A very, very good listen.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Early Morning Breeze, Coat of Many Colors
Slint
4/5
Listened Before? N
I've actually never even heard of this band, much less the album. I'm surprised, I knew a lot of people into indie stuff in the 90s... but it looks like they barely made it to the 90s.
Anyway, it reminded me of primitive Dinosaur Jr. in a good way. I really loved the music. The mumbling lyrics under the sounds seemed more like a gimmick but maybe I just don't appreciate his art. The surprise heavy guitars near the end of a few songs really rocked too. Overall, however, it seems like a great get high and chill album... I will listen again.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: Breadcrumb Trail
Beatles
4/5
Listened Before? N
Classic Beatles. It is definitely a great album and there’s several absolute bangers on here. I agree with most other reviewers that I’ve read that the real thing about this album is all the members showing their personalities and styles. Cool album and cool piece of music history.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Elanor Rigby
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
Listened Before? N
This seems like an art project for this guy. Of course, I'm a sucker for a concept album, but I prefer mine to tell a story. I just don't really know what to say about this music. Parts of it are unique and charming, parts of it are droning and unremarkable. I do love the cover, as a former Chicagoan as well. I think we're just going to go with a confused 3 and call it good on this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Chicago
The Doors
3/5
Listened Before? N
Well, there's no denying that Jim Morrison had an amazing voice, and that these guys were good writers. What they've become... legends... is undoubtedly earned by their music and Jim's behavior. He was a pioneer of shock-rock, and has been labeled a freedom of speech hero by a lot of people. I won't go that far. I think it was narcissism that propelled this band. They produced some undeniably good things, and this album is one of them. Nice mix of long and short songs, pop and acid-drenched ramblers. Pretty decent rock and roll record, but MUCH better things have been made by others.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Crawling King Snake
Common
2/5
Listened Before? N
I don't understand what the appeal of post-2000 east coast rap is. Especially when Kanye is involved. I get it. You're poor. You live in NYC. That's not an excuse to drone lyrics over generic beats and let the hook come from samples. You guys suck. This is getting a 2 just because it's not a Kanye album, if it was, it'd be a 1.
Added to Library? HAHAHAHA no
Songs added to playlist: The intro, because its short.
Deep Purple
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow another amazing album from Deep Purple! Apparently I was missing out on these guys for the last 40+ years and didn't know it. Great, epic record that is super heavy rocking for the era. Loved it. Child in Time is an epic for the ages!
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Child in Time
Pink Floyd
5/5
Listened Before? Y - Oh HELL yes.
Wish You Were Here is Pink Floyd just barely after the peak of Dark Side of The Moon in 1973. This album is timeless and mind blowing. Equal parts prog masterpiece and subtle concept story album, there's no weak points at all.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Wish You Were Here, Welcome to the Machine
Judas Priest
4/5
Listened Before? N
You should always study the classics. Especially when it comes to metal! This album is an all-time influential great. Everything from the hard and fast thrashers, to the slow grinders. Even though it's from1980, this is still hard, heavy stuff. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Breaking The Law, Living After Midnight
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Ohhhh boy! This one is a surprising selection for this list! I absolutely love this record, and the band too. They're heavy, dirty, aggressive, and unapologetic. The perfect 2000 album. Just before 9/11, when everything was excess and aggression. So much cussing, and so many heavy riffs. One of my favorites, although I bet the ratings are very low overall. We'll see!
Added to Library? Y (was already there)
Songs added to playlist: My Generation, Full Nelson
Syd Barrett
3/5
Listened Before? N
What an interesting album. I've never seen one listed as "psychedelic folk" before, but that seems to be exactly what it is. Syd was supposed to have gone over the rainbow by this point in his life, but it seems his music still held some lucidity. I actually really enjoyed it. I wouldn't listen very often, but it's not bad.
Added to library? N
Songs added to playlist: No Man's Land
Deep Purple
4/5
Listened Before? N
Holy smokes (on the water) this one was amazing! I have never gotten around to getting into Deep Purple deep cuts at all, but these guys were great musicians and they're stoner rock legends for a reason. This one cooks from beginning to end. I will revisit many times. I may end up getting deeper (heh) into their library now.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Smoke on the Water, Highway Star
Nina Simone
3/5
Listened Before? N
An interesting listen. Very political for jazz. Liking the themes and edge, especially for the time period. I've never actually heard of her, so that's kind of bad on me. I doubt I'll revisit this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wild is the Wind
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
Listened Before? N
Techno... mehhhhhhhhh....
Block Rocking Beats is an instantly recognizable single. It was the only thing I really liked here. I don't have the patience for hard techno like this.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Block Rockin Beats
Britney Spears
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Well, this one was an interesting choice... I have heard it before, as I actually owned this back in the day just like 20 million other people. Now that it's had 20 years to settle in, I can see why it made this list. This album was highly influential in pop music and images in its time. It touched off a decade of female pop that a lot of people didn't see coming and paved the way for future generations (see Miley Cyrus). With all the struggles that Britney has faced over her life and career, this seems like a snapshot in time where she was simultaneously young and at the top of her game performance wise. The songs are a mixture of forgettable tunes and absolute bangers. Not an album I'll listen to over and over, but one I can respect.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: ...Baby One More Time, (You Drive Me) Crazy
Janis Joplin
3/5
Listened Before? N
Smooth, soulful, and at times rambling. This is a pretty good record. It's a shame she got so heavily into drugs and passed away so early or she could have really honed herself into an amazing overall performer. I enjoyed this one, but the big hit is a cover, and it shows. It's head and shoulders above all the rest.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Me and Bobby McGee
The White Stripes
4/5
Listened Before? N
I'm going to put this out there and its going to sound edgy but I'm serious. I wish 7-Nation Army didn't exist. Or, if it has to, I wish it wasn't on this album. It's too polished and it disrupts the flow of the album which, in the rest of it's entirety, is awesome. I love that they let Meg have some singing parts this time. Pretty good effort overall.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: In the Cold Cold Night
Jurassic 5
2/5
Listened Before? N
This was ok. It was not what I expected at all. I thought it would be electronica but it's classic-style rap. I didn't mind it but it's not my favorite.
Added to library? N
Songs added to playlist: What's Golden
Michael Kiwanuka
3/5
Listened Before? N
I've never heard of this guy. I sort of enjoyed it. Seemed kind of Ed-Sheeran-y in the beginning and then got very mellow for a long time. I wasn't a big fan of "Hero" but I can see the appeal. An okay listen.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: You Ain't the Problem
Mike Oldfield
2/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting but not my cup of tea. The 70s were a magical time. Something like this would never go mainstream today.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Mike's Single
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Listened Before? N
I love these guys but I've never listened to this old one before. It's very, very good just like their later stuff. Great raw sounding post-punk/new wave stuff. Very.. well... echoey :-D. I'll probably add this one to the library. It gets weaker toward the end, but still solid.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Do It Clean, Rescue
Napalm Death
1/5
Listened Before? N
Holy hell. This is a pile of trash. It's not that I don't understand extreme metal or the supposed "importance" of this album... but jesus... It's just not good. The few redeeming riffs available are quickly rendered annoying by their refusal to stay with a theme, and the vocals might as well be recorded by an animal, since I'm fairly sure they're not actual words. This goes for side a and b, even though they're "very different" according to analysts. People need to quit analyzing it... its trash.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: You Suffer... because it's 8 seconds long and super ironic
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
Listened Before: Many Times
This album was a staple of my high school years. It still holds up pretty well, and it has a good (but violent) message. I may not groove on it as intensely anymore but I still listen to it occasionally.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Wake Up
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This is an all-time classic. It's actually not my favorite but I still appreciate it. It's literally back-to-back bangers and hits. One of the most famous rock and roll albums of all time.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ramble On
The Only Ones
3/5
Listened Before? N
Never heard of these guys.. which kind of makes sense as the seem to sort of be British one hit wonders. It was okay. The vocals are super sloppy and the music is trite... But I think it may have been one of those albums where you had to be there in the moment and location in order to really appreciate it. I enjoyed the big hit "Another Girl, Another Planet" but I enjoyed "Breaking Down" more. It's 70s pop, nothing more to say... a decent alternative to american disco of the time.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Breaking Down
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Listened Before? N
Soulful and hard-hitting at the same time. She's a unique talent and this is her at the top of her game in the late 60s. I enjoyed it even though it's not really my style. Respect is an all time classic, though, and it's the song I chose to represent this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Respect
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Listened Before? N
I liked this one! It's not really on par with his older works, but it's very Springsteen... and it captures a very specific time in America: The post 9/11 vibe of shock, gloom, but hope. He did a good job.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Waitin' on a Sunny Day
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Listened Before? N
Count Basie was incredible. I'm familiar with his work from his time with Frank Sinatra, but I've never listened to just him and his orchestra. It's a good solid jazz/big band record.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Fantail
The Mamas & The Papas
2/5
Listened Before? N
I knew the hits from this one. I don't mind California Dreamin' but the rest of it I just feel is a bit too 60s poppy. I didn't enjoy it a whole lot. It wasn't offensive or obtrusive but I just don't really jive with it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: California Dreamin'
Machito
3/5
Listened Before? N
An unexpected treat. Great jazz album with additional tribal beats behind it. I really liked the complex horns here and the fast pacing.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wild Jungle
Cream
3/5
Listened Before? N
I was familiar with Sunshine of Your Love, that's it. Sunshine is so overplayed I have to avoid it. This is a pretty good acid rock album, but I found some of the themes immature and lazy, and also - Eric Clapton is still a massive piece of shit. Glad I listened, I'll never come back.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Strange Brew
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty jammin, pretty bluesy, and pretty classic sounding. Stones-ish stuff that I thought was very easy to listen to while working.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Whiskey Woman
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Listened Before? N
More great stuff from Marley. It made me feel like I was in the islands while simultaneously caring about the plight of the poor. Right on, mon.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Natty Dread
Lou Reed
4/5
Listened Before? N
Spectacular. I can't believe I've missed so much of Lou Reed in my life. This one and the previously reviewed album are both top-notch, and this one goes over the top since it's a rock opera too. A gem.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: The Kids
The Band
4/5
Listened Before: N
Man, these dudes sound a LOT like the Dead. I will probably grow to really like this if I listen to it a lot. Whether its compelling enough to make me do that, I don't know yet. A solid effort though. Good musicianship and great storyteller lyrics.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Up On Cripple Creek
Justice
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh, it was okay. Doesn't really fit my style. Not big on dance/electronic music, and I don't particularly enjoy instrumental stuff. It does have some redeeming qualities but I doubt I'd listen again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: D.A.N.C.E.
Hanoi Rocks
2/5
Listened Before? N
Hmmm... this is an interesting take on glam metal/hard rock from the early 80s. Their look was refined to almost an early-90s state, but the music is much harder and less harmonic than those late hair metal guys. It was okay, but nothing really stood out to me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: none because it's not available on Amazon.
Paul Weller
3/5
Listened Before? N
I understand why it's on the list. It was a good listen and I'm sure there's some who absolutely love it. For me, it's just a jam record... lots of long songs and jamming. It was okay.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wild Wood
Public Enemy
4/5
Listened Before? N
This brings me back to the late 80s in a big way. Amazing, intelligent rap. Perfect.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bring The Noise
Bob Dylan
3/5
Listened Before? N
This is a very good Dylan album. I prefer his more unrefined early stuff, but I did like it quite a bit. The record flows very well from beginning to end (something I feel Dylan has trouble with at times) and it has a high production value. I liked the deep cuts better than the singles here.
Added to Library: N
Songs added to playlist: Lily, Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Listened Before? N
I understand that these guys were MIA for more than two decades at one point, during which their fans had given up hope of them ever producing anything again... but here they are. So, I believe there's a bit of rose-colored glasses syndrome going on here... because this record is awful. Repetitive, incomprehensible, and noisy. I won't stoop as low as to give it a 1 star review because I understand why it's here... but I will never listen to it again. It was bad.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Only Tomorrow
Steely Dan
3/5
Listened Before? N
Trippy, man! These guys are a jam band and I had no idea. I thought it was okay. Kinda different. Good musicianship. Kinda has a southern rock feel at times. My Old School sounds like Billy Joel, so I took that one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: My Old School
Elvis Costello
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good! I don't have any familiarity with Elvis Costello at all other than Alison. THAT song is pretty solid but never caught my interest.
The rest of this record is fun and light hearted and has a good relaxed feel to it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Watching the Detectives
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
Listened Before? N
Good jazz album. Very impressive vocals considering it was recorded live. I liked the humorous break at the end of one of the songs where she essentially quit because she thought she messed it up badly but it was still sounding amazing.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Thou Swell
Prince
4/5
Listened Before? N
Oh Prince. How we miss you. This album is an absolute dance masterpiece. That being said, I can't just listen to it for the most part. The singles are nice, and the music is unobtrusive but the songs are just LONG. If I were a hardcore Prince fan I would absolutely love it!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Little Red Corvette
Bebel Gilberto
2/5
Listened Before? N
While I really like the Bossa Nova sound here, the lack of english always gets me. I see why it's here, but it's not for me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Samba Da Benacao
Pink Floyd
4/5
Listened Before? N
Spectacular! This is very crude for Floyd, and I've never gotten around to listening to it before but I'm glad I finally did. You can hear the raw ideas and structures of future songs and ideas coming together here in a stripped down form. I loved this, and I'll revisit in the future, but it's not cohesive and consistent enough for me to throw it in the library (yet).
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Astronomy Dominie
The Sonics
3/5
Listened Before? N
I know the "genre" of garage rock has been a thing for a long time but I didn't know it ran back into the 60's. This album is proof, though, and you can hear the sounds and structures that influenced many later artists from Thrash metal to Nirvana. It was a good listen, and pretty unique. It would have been better if there were more original songs, but I'll take it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist:
New York Dolls
3/5
Listened Before? N
So much influence here. These guys are listed under influences for SO many bands (especially punk) and I've never listened to them before. It was good. Raw, loud, unapologetic... I really like it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Personality Crisis
Laura Nyro
2/5
Listened Before? N
I didn't like this one much. It was okay, and she was very beautiful, but the music is just sort of not my style. It's very singer-songwriter but it seems disorganized. Probably won't listen again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Stoned Soul Picnic
The Who
3/5
Listened Before? N
An amazing album..... that's not really for me. I can appreciate it from beginning to end, and while I was surprised at the serious tone it took (was expecting more of a tongue-in-cheek story, this just seems like a tragedy), I still didn't really jive with it. Again, much appreciated, just not for me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Pinball Wizard
Can
2/5
Listened Before? N
This was sort of interesting, but just background music really. It made me feel like I was living in a video game. Not great. I'll give it a bit of credit for being before it's time, and a bit for the music flowing but I have to detract for the lack of vocals.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Moonshake
Carole King
3/5
Listened Before? N
I have heard of her, and I knew a few songs but I hadn't ever done a deep-dive. She's good. Great voice and very mellow easy listening stuff. I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: It's Too Late
Wilco
4/5
Listened Before? N
This one was a surprise! I have heard of Wilco, and I knew of Jeff Tweedy from Eric Church's "Mr. Misunderstood", so it was cool to see the influence here. The Song "Misunderstood" is basically the original version of Mr. Misunderstood. Anyway, I like it. Good job Wilco. I really, REALLY like
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Dreamer in My Dreams
Harry Nilsson
3/5
Listened Before? N
I don't know how, but I had never heard of this guy before. What an interesting story. He also appears to be a pretty good singer, so that's a good thing. I enjoyed the album.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Gotta Get Up
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Listened Before? N
I know some of these songs from the past, but this is a little different from PSB's dancier things they released earlier in their career. Much more mellow. They claim it was influenced by Violator and I believe it. I liked it but longed for some of their harder dance beats the whole time.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Being Boring
Pink Floyd
5/5
Listened Before? Y
Oh yes. This is RIGHT in my wheelhouse. An amazing melodic rock album, awesome lyrics, and a cohesive story. It's no wonder it's already one of my favorite albums of all time!
Added to Library? Y (it was already there)
Songs added to playlist: Nobody Home, Mother
Tears For Fears
3/5
Listened Before? Y
This is a top-notch mid-80s New Wave album. These guys had a few giant hits on this one and the rest of it is pretty decent as well. Tears for Fears is a band I much prefer to listen to their greatest hits though, as the deep cuts just aren't on par with the hits.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Head Over Heels
Dead Kennedys
5/5
Listened Before? Y
Ohhhh man. This is a scorcher! This is one of the greatest punk albums of all time - beginning to end, amazing. The Kennedys demonstrate their mastery of politics and music in short 2-4 minute bursts. Classic.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Kill the Poor, California Uber Alles
Massive Attack
4/5
Listened Before? N
Initially I thought this was a pretty great modern ambient/hip-hop album... and then I realized it was from 1991!? wow. It's extremely innovative and ahead of it's time. Extra credit to them. This is great sex music.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Safe From Harm
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2/5
Listened Before? N
I have nothing but respect for this album and these guys as I know they're considered prog-rock staples. I think this deserves to be on the list and the concept is great but tooooo much organ for me. I need more guitars.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Sage
Rod Stewart
4/5
Listened Before? N
Ah, sounds of my childhood. Rod Stewart was playing constantly on my dad's stereo in the late 80s and Early 90s. I have seen him live multiple times, but I've never listened to this album in full. I enjoyed it quite a bit. It sounds a lot like his early stuff with Faces. Highly recommended for fans of his.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Cut Across Shorty
The Black Keys
4/5
Listened Before? N
Man, 1001 on a ROLL lately. This one was unfamiliar as well, but I enjoyed it a lot. Enough to add it to my collection, so good job!
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: I'm Not the One
4/5
Listened Before? N
Holy crow! Another great 80's pop/new wave album. This dude has another great voice too. I have heard the singles but the deep cuts are quality here as well.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Look of Love
Bobby Womack
3/5
Listened Before? N
I've never heard of this guy or heard his music. He's very good here on this particular album. Soul is definitely not my cup of tea, so that's going to hurt the rating here but I recognize quality when I hear it. I did not add the big hit from this album because I don't agree with it's whiny, aggressive message.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Lay Your Lovin' On Me
Lupe Fiasco
2/5
Listened Before? N
Nahhhhhhhhh. Another post-y2k rapper that is so boring I can't take it. Sounds like Jay-Z wrote the whole thing which would be okay but it's not Jay-Z. I'm good.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Kick, Push
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4/5
Listened Before? N
An absolute banger. I love early Petty, and the Heartbreakers are magical. Love this. They were doing something in the 70s that nobody else (possibly other than Rod Stewart) was doing. Rocking while still being radio friendly but not too heavy. Also: Breakdown is one of my favorite songs of all time.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Breakdown
Jeff Buckley
2/5
Listened Before? N
I assume this is on the list because of Hallelujah. It is a song that's worthy of the list itself, so that's great. I don't really groove with the rest of this. It's ok. It's like if U2 was not as good.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Hallelujah
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Listened Before? N
This one was okay. Not really my cup of tea but it wasn't awful. I see that this was for the British release but in the US we only have the later US version with (according to wiki) a different track listing. Hopefully it's similar but I don't know.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: All Cried Out
Wire
3/5
Listened Before? N
I really didn't mind this. It's listed as "post punk" but it's very close to just being punk with it's punky themes and short songs. Sounds a TON like The Clash. May listen again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: 3 Girl Rhumba
Faith No More
5/5
Listened Before? Y
Thrash metal riffs, heavy metal grooves, keyboards, pop hooks, and Mike Patton's signature lyrics and voice. Yes. This album is basically all bangers from front to back. It's an all time genre-bending great.
Also: throw in one of (if not THE) best covers of War Pigs ever recorded as a bonus. Amazing stuff.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist:
The Teardrop Explodes
2/5
Listened Before? N
This was a weird one. It was really close... really, really close to being very good. But it's not. Others did it better - *cough cough Echo and the Bunnymen* but they made a good effort. Also- why is "When I Dream" 7 minutes long? If you're going to make a song that long it needs lots of content. This one just repeats itself for about 5 minutes.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Reward
The Kinks
2/5
Listened Before? N
I'll confess that I think these guys were very talented in what they did... but man, did everything in the 60s in England sound like the Beatles. Jeebus. I've had enough and I'm not even halfway done with the list. All good, but not for me really.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Picture Book
DJ Shadow
4/5
Listened Before? N
This was a surprise. A great vibe and very, very well executed instrumental hip hop album. Thoroughly enjoyed it beginning to end. I will be revisiting it ASAP. Maybe even right now!
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Midnight in a Perfect World
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was really not too bad. I see why he won awards for it. It's very dated but also very funky. It has inspired me to watch the movie for the first time ever. Good stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Theme From Shaft
New Order
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Ah yes, New Order. Kings of noisy, frantic new wave. I really like this album, it's less hectic than some of their others. No big hits here, but a bunch of quality new wave songs. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Love Vigilantes
The Beach Boys
4/5
Listened Before? N
So this is the famous Beach Boys masterpiece. I've heard a few songs from it before, but never the whole thing. Honestly, it's got a great vibe. Pretty low-key and the vocals are (of course) impressive. I highly enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wouldn't It Be Nice
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Listened Before? N
I've been saving this one because I knew it was on this list somewhere. It's widely considered a classic so not to include it would have been a disservice.
I've never listened to it beginning to end until now. What a great album! For me, Stevie Nicks' lead songs are head and shoulders above the rest but it's all quality stuff. An all timer. 5-cuts deep (or more). I'll be adding this one and listening regulary.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Dreams, Gold Dust Woman
The Jam
2/5
Listened Before? N
As an American, I'm not familiar with these guys at all. I think some of the "must hear" aspect for this album is nostalgia. It's honestly kind of uninspired and boring. Not sure the appeal here. I couldn't wait for it to be over.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: That's Entertainment
Deerhunter
2/5
Listened Before? N
Oh lord. Indie rock from 2010... aka hipster shit. I'm good on this. Just because it has low production value doesn't mean its good. I'll pass.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Revival (because it's short)
Frank Black
2/5
Listened Before? N
It was alright I suppose. I feel like a lot of the albums I've been getting recently are very same-y. Lots of uninspired alt-rock from both sides of the pond. I can't wait to get back to some unique stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Headache
Julian Cope
2/5
Listened Before? N
Not sure what to say about this one. It was okay. I don't know who the guy is but apparently he is/was big stuff in England back in the 90s. ( Maybe even currently?) The music was fine, just not enough to get me super interested.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Pristeen
The Modern Lovers
3/5
Listened Before? N
Ok this was better! I loved this album. Early formation of punk sounds and quick, fun songs.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Modern World (Alternative Version)
Jane Weaver
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh, It was okay. I don't know what to say about it other than it's not really my cup of tea.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Architect
Barry Adamson
2/5
Listened Before? N
This one reminds me a lot of Massive Attack in places, and is more experimental than they are. I didn't dislike it but I didn't love it either. I may try listening again later.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Achieved In The Valley In The Dolls
Turbonegro
3/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, this album surprised me. I've only vaguely heard of these guys, but I've never listened. This is awesome! Good punk vibes mixed with some glam and an immature attitude. Great "garbage" listen. I'll listen to this one a lot.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Are You Ready (For Some Darkness)
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Listened Before? N
Okay this one was better than the other one (or two) I've heard on this list... but to consistently rank it as one of the top 2 female recorded albums of all time (publications keep doing this) is a nostalgic view. I don't think it cracks my personal top 5. She is definitely transparent and skillful in her lyrics (and California is an absolute BANGER) but her voice becomes SO monotonous after a while I just can't see it being the greatest ever. I'll give it another listen but I'm leaning toward 3/5 on this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: California
SAULT
3/5
Listened Before? N
This is a pretty good album. When I saw that it was described as "hip hop" I thought I was getting rap. Nope, it's just beat-heavy synth music with lots of different vocalists. I quite enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wildfires
Gang Starr
4/5
Listened Before? N
I had fun with this one. I really like this early-90s rap vibe. It is super refreshing after most of today's rap. I may listen to this one over and over.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Check the Technique
Beastie Boys
5/5
Listened Before? Y
Oh dear god. One of the best albums of all time. Especially for me, this one drips with nostalgia and I still can't believe the skill and talent of these three men. So amazing.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Egg Man, Shake Your Rump
Sex Pistols
4/5
Listened Before? N
Oh yeah! Sex Pistols! Such an interesting punk band. They're not the most amazing punk band of all time like some people think, but they are one of the best BRITISH punk bands. Goes hard beginning to end and is a historical work.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: God Save the Queen, Anarchy in the U.K.
Sade
3/5
Listened Before? N
Nice silky smooth 80s pop. Smooth Operator is a classic if you were alive in the mid 80s. I enjoyed the rest, too.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Smooth Operator
Living Colour
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. I always heard good things about this one but never really appealed to me much.. I really liked listening to it, despite this.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Cult of Personality
Kings of Leon
2/5
Listened Before? N
A decent modern rock album. Nothing really special. Kings of Leon tend to sound pretty same-y on all their albums. Not a winner for me.
Added to Library: N
Songs added to playlist: Taper Jean Girl
Scritti Politti
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty standard 80's pop stuff here. Enjoyable enough but really not much special IMO.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Perfect Way
Beyoncé
4/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. I loved the backstory of how the album was recorded with all writers and producers living with her and Jay-Z. Great stuff. The albums sexual themes are in your face which was unexpected as well. Solid work.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Drunk In Love
Beck
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. Beck has been hit and miss for me but this one is mostly a hit. I don't have a ton of thoughts about it but I understand why it's on the list.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Que' Onda Guero
Tricky
3/5
Listened Before? N
The first several tracks here were really good with the female singer. Once the other dude took over, though, it became not my favorite. It was okay, and the first part earned it another star. All in all not awful.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Aftermath
Black Sabbath
4/5
Listened Before? Y
What can I say about this one that hasn't already been said? It's probably one of the most classic hard rock/metal albums of all time. It's front-to-back good songs and it's simple.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Iron Man
Traffic
2/5
Listened Before? N
It's an okay album. More British 60's rock. Shrug.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Feelin' Alright
Billie Holiday
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. A bit mellow, but she's a great singer.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: You've Changed
Mott The Hoople
3/5
Listened Before? N
More british 60s rock.... again. It was decent but jeez this genre is overrepresented.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: All the Way from Memphis
Radiohead
3/5
Listened Before? N
More Radiohead. This one didn't stand out a ton. I liked it enough but it didn't really blow me away.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: 2+2=5
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Listened Before? N
An album truly ahead of its time. 60s music that sounds like 90s indie rock... amazing. Good stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Pale Blue Eyes
Baaba Maal
1/5
Listened Before? N
Sorry, not English and not a style I care for. I'll pass. I'm sure it's great if you speak whatever language its in. Not for me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Gidelam
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This is one of the first concept albums in history, and it's a good one... Although since Sinatra didn't actually write the songs I'm not sure how much that counts. Either way, it's a wonderful album and top-form Frank. I really, really liked it.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
The Black Crowes
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This one is one I had when I was younger. I have listened to it in its entirety several times. It's got a great vibe, and it was released at the perfect time in America. It's a solid record from front to back.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Twice as Hard
The Go-Go's
3/5
Listened Before? N
Sugary sweet pop mixed with some retro style and new wave. Good album, I enjoyed it a lot.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Our Lips are Sealed
Dire Straits
4/5
Listened Before? N
This was good. Not what I expected... a bit more prog-y and some very long songs on here but I found it enjoyable from beginning to end. I really liked the full album version of Money for Nothing. I had no idea it was trimmed so much for the radio. Would recommend this one!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Money for Nothing
Donald Fagen
3/5
Listened Before? N
Smooth, jazzy, relaxed... very 80's. And the sound quality is amazing from this early digital recording. May revisit this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: New Frontier
Bauhaus
3/5
Listened Before? N
I think I might have liked this album better in the 80's. It's pretty good, but I just feel like there's a lot of similar better stuff that was released between 81 and now. Overall, not bad but not my favorite.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Kick in the Eye
The Allman Brothers Band
4/5
Listened Before? N
Absolutely killer. This is a great recording of a tight band blasting out blues and rock with jam band elements. Loved it.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Statesboro Blues
Elbow
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. It was okay. Pretty unremarkable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: One Day Like This
Johnny Cash
5/5
Listened Before? Y
Oh yes! An all-timer. This album is spectacular.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Folsom Prison Blues
1/5
Listened Before? N
Ugh. More 'art rock'. This stuff is not good guys. I could definitely have lived without hearing this before I die. Anyway, nope.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: If You're A Wizard....
Radiohead
2/5
Listened Before? N
I've never heard any part of this album before. I believe this is the 4th or 5th Radiohead album I've gotten off this list now, and it's my least favorite. Not bad, just not anything that stands out. It's slow and weird and I'm not high enough for it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Knives Out
3/5
Listened Before? N
This one is pretty okay. These guys give me the sense that they think they're a lot better than they actually are, but they've got some decent songs and structure. They keyboards add something to it, but Scandinavian bands have been doing this for years. In fact, that's what this album reminds me of: lots of Scandinavian English-language rock bands.
Added to library? N
Songs added to playlist: Knights of Cydonia
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Great album. An American classic, and S&G's last. It's too bad they couldn't get along and continue, but at the same time I feel they walked away on top. This album is solid beginning to end. There are some sleepy ones here, and I don't really enjoy the up-and-down arrangement of the songs (I feel they could have put the slower songs on one side and the faster ones on another), but overall great stuff. There's even some "hidden gems" here (as much as there can be hidden gems in a classic album).
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Boxer
Linkin Park
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This album was a staple in my CD player in the early 2000's. While a lot of the "hits" are overplayed to me, that doesn't take away from the quality of this work. This was the right album at the right time. Essentially a rap-metal album at its core, it has more feeling and depth than something similar like, say, Limp Bizkit's "Chocolate Starfish..." which is just pure aggression and testosterone. These dudes (probably mostly Chester) wrote and recorded something more.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Papercut, Forgotten
The Verve
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, this took me by surprise. Bittersweet Symphony is by far their best known work in the US and it's all I'd heard by them. Imagine my surprise when I realized it's an outlier and sounds nothing like the rest of the album. This album is fantastic. Hooky, acid-drenched, 90s fun.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Sonnet
Def Leppard
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Oh boy have I ever listened before. This was one of the most played albums of my pre-teen years and it still holds up. Solid melodies and guitars, and great singing. Love it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Pour Some Sugar on Me, Armageddon It
Iggy Pop
3/5
Listened Before? N
I struggled with this one. It took me several days to get around to listening to it because I didn't want to. No particular reason other than I just really hate Lust for Life the song.
Anyway it turned out okay. Decent punk album from the 70s.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Passenger
Nick Drake
4/5
Listened Before? N
Spectacular! Especially knowing his story. This poor guy made some amazing music and basically killed himself because he was incredibly depressed about nobody paying attention to him. Sad story. Wonderful music.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Free Ride
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Listened Before? N
Brilliant! This one shines over a lot of the other 60's rock on the list so far. Hendrix was truly talented and truly unafraid to speak his mind as the front man of the Experience. I LOVED this album.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Little Wing, Castles Made of Sand
Cocteau Twins
2/5
Listened Before? N
I remember these two from the 80s. It's very mellow and echoey. I do like the concept of the albums songs being a bunch of different girl names but otherwise unremarkable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Lorelei
ZZ Top
4/5
Listened Before? N
Killer stuff, beginning to end. I've never listened to this one all the way through before and boy am I glad I did. I'll be putting this one in the library. Hell of an 80s rock sound, solid guitars, awesome attitude.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Got me Under Pressure, Sharp Dressed Man
Duran Duran
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This is one I had back in the day. Not in '82, but I had a copy in about '95 on cassette that I found in a thrift store. Hence, I have listened to this album quite a bit. Love the music and the iconic art both. Great stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Save a Prayer
Depeche Mode
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This one I also remember from back in the day. DM are so consistent and good at what they do its amazing. Everyone wants to be like DM.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Never Let Me Down Again
Alanis Morissette
5/5
Listened Before? Y
"Do I stress you out? My sweater's on backward and inside out.. and you say "howwwwww aprroppriate"... Fucking Alanis, man. I wore this record out during the 90s and early 2000s. She was a crazy discovery for a guy who was into metal at the time. I used to love her second record more, but I think this one holds up better. Awesome stuff and a timely release for the "American Version" of a young bubblegum pop star from Canada.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Right Through You, All I Really Want
The Young Gods
2/5
Listened Before? N
This was surprisingly good for a foreign language album... The music is spectacular and the singing was tolerable. I won't listen to it again but it's not a 1 like many others.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Rue des tempetes
Tom Waits
3/5
Listened Before? N
Super interesting and eclectic. I’m familiar with some of his later work but never listened to the records that made him known. This one was, I felt, a bit weird but very artistic in a good way.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Jockey Full Of Bourbon
Supergrass
2/5
Listened Before? N
It was ok. More britpop stuff. Not a huge fan but it was better than the other album of theirs that popped up earlier in my list.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Alright
The Cure
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This is a Cure classic. Accessable enough to new listeners but with lots of complexity they're known for. I love it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Pictures of You
Lightning Bolt
1/5
Listened Before? N
Noisy! I know that's the point but I have a little bit of trouble figuring out how this belonged on this list. One thing this list is teaching me is that there's probably only about 501 albums you need to hear before you die!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wonderful Rainbow
Taylor Swift
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. She's recently a very prolific album releaser. This one sounds more like modern t-sweezy, and I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Willow
David Gray
3/5
Listened Before? N
Mellow, nice, quiet. I've always liked Babylon, and I like this album. I'm not going to write home about it but it was good.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Babylon
Queen
4/5
Listened Before? N
Great album, and my first beginning-to-end Queen album! I loved it. The guitars are incredible, and of course Freddie Mercury was an amazing singer. Lots of unique songwriting here as well.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Killer Queen, Stone Cold Crazy
Van Morrison
3/5
Listened Before? N
I have heard a few songs off this album and until today I couldn't have told you who they were by. Now I know. This is a solid album and his sound is great. Really enjoyable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Into the Mystic
Eric Clapton
1/5
Listened Before? N
HAHA Eric Clapton is a piece of shit. I wish I could give it 0.
Added to Library? HAHAHAHAHA NO
Song added to playlist: I Shot the Sheriff (but I quarantined it just for him so I won't give him a cent by listening to it).
Deep Purple
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, an absolute scorcher! This band was ON IT during these shows and it comes across even 50 years later. I loved this, I just wish they'd left some more crowd noise in.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Smoke on the Water
Randy Newman
4/5
Listened Before? N
This was really interesting. I've heard of him but as far as I know I've never heard a song by him. The first song just rolled out a whole lot of slurs, but with good reason. It really catches your attention and makes you listen to the record. Deep still somewhat relevant political meanings mixed with history.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Naked Man
The Jam
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. Kinda Clash-ish. I liked it okay.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: David Watts
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
Listened Before? Y
A quintessential 80s pop album. When I listen to it I'm transported to a different time. She was a big deal when this one dropped and I remember it well. As for the music - its pretty good stuff! I like all the popular tracks and the album cuts are good enough to be interesting. Solid.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: All Through the Night
Big Star
3/5
Listened Before? N
Ah mid 70s US rock. I haven't heard of these guys before (and with good reason). I liked this okay. It was kinda bowie-ish at times, and kinda deep-purplish at times. Honesly, kinda generic for 70s rock. I didn't know this was where the song for "That 70s Show" came from until now, so that's kinda neat.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: In the Street (single mix)
Barry Adamson
4/5
Listened Before? N
I have never encountered him or his music before. This is a super interesting concept album. At times creepy, sometimes retro sounding, sometimes like an electronic album. It was pretty nice background music.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Man With the Golden Arm
Joy Division
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Amazing album. Universally loved. I'm no exception. There are a few rough spots but not many. This one influenced a generation of new wave and goth fans.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Disorder
Supertramp
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good 70's prog album. I'm only familiar with Bloody Well Right. I haven't been a fan of that song, ever. The rest of it was alright too but nothing to write home about. Maybe I just need to get high on 70s ditch weed or something?
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Dreamer
Buena Vista Social Club
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. Not an album I needed to hear before I die. Much respect but not my style.
Added to Library? N
Song added to playlist: Chan Chan
Gotan Project
3/5
Listened Before? N
Another instrumental - In a way I'm glad it's not filled with a ton of French vocals. This album was pretty okay. Good background music for working. It feels a bit like a movie soundtrack most of the time.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Santa Maria
The Crusaders
3/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting. Kind of hybrid Jazz/Disco. I really like the title track despite it's 11:18 run time. The rest of it was good too. I may revisit.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Street Life
Fishbone
4/5
Listened Before? N
An absolute banger! I knew about these guys all the way back in high school and the cooler kids liked them. I never tried listening to them much until now, and I absolutely loved this album. Punky and funky and funny. It has it all.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Ma and Pa
5/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, another wonderful work by Bowie. This is probably his most famous album and I had never listened to it beginning-to-end so this was a great intro to the way the songs all fit together. Absolutely classic. Top of the game and top of the genre.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Starman, Ziggy Stardust
David Bowie
3/5
Listened Before? N
Back-to-back Bowie! Kinda cool. This one was not as good as Ziggy. I think he was doing some solid work here but hadn't quite refined the sound yet. I really liked it, don't get me wrong but it just wasn't as polished as his later stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Life on Mars?
N.E.R.D
2/5
Listened Before? N
This one wasn't as bad or as good as the other reviews made it out to be. It's solidly mediocre, and fairly dated. I read it's been removed from the actual list now, and that's probably for the best. Not sure how the #18 album of 2004 made it to a list of records I MUST HEAR, but it's whatever. It is what it is.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Don't Worry About It
Dusty Springfield
2/5
Listened Before? N
Mehhhhhhhh. She's a great singer but this is not my style. The one song I recognize here is "Son of a Preacher Man", of course. I'm a genxer, Pulp Fiction brought that song to me and I kinda liked it then it got overplayed in the early 90s. So I'm really not a huge fan of this record in general. Couldn't finish it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Son of a Preacher Man
Tortoise
2/5
Listened Before? N
This sounds like the royalty free soundtrack to a YouTube video. Inoffensive and unremarkable. No vocals. MEH.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: A Survey
The Doors
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Undeniably influential. A very solid album. Light My Fire does NOT need to be 7 minutes.. The End is my favorite Doors song, and it's on this one so that's nice.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The End
Coldplay
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This is a staple of my music collection from the early 2000s. I don't care what people say about it, I love it. It has a ton of nostalgia attached to it for me and I usually only listen to it in the winter so it makes me feel like it's winter even though it's currently August. This is a solid album beginning to end, and I like nearly all the songs.
Added to Library? Y (already there)
Songs added to playlist: In My Place
Spiritualized
3/5
Listened Before? N
This is great background music. It also feels a bit ahead of its time. I really enjoyed listening to it and they're talented musicians but I don't think I'd put it on just to listen to. Maybe if I were super high? Anyway, another good one this week.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Run
Jacques Brel
1/5
Listened Before? N
No. I'm good. I did not need to hear a guy sing in French with accordion backing from the 60s.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Amsterdam
Suicide
2/5
Listened Before? N
Apparently this was influential. Never heard of them. It's noisy and too many mumbled words and keyboards for me. Wikipedia classifies it as synth-punk. Please don't ever call this anything "punk".
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ghost Rider
Shack
3/5
Listened Before? N
Surprisingly good! I did not expect to like this, and I actually loved it. I'll be revisiting this multiple times.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Pull Together, Beautiful
3/5
Listened Before? N
I'm a sucker for some New Wave, and this is no exception. A solid album beginning to end but no songs really stood out. A great effort for 1978, though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Uncontrollable Urge
Weather Report
2/5
Listened Before? N
This is literal elevartor music from the 70s. Just seems boring and unremarkable. I didn't like or dislike it. It's 'meh'.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Teen Town
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Listened Before? N
Woah! This is a unique one. I really enjoyed most of it, although it got pretty long towards the end. Couple of the songs clocked in over 12 minutes. Without percussion, it kind of starts to sound the same after 30 minutes or so. That being said, lyrically this was amazing and the concept of a fantasy world/grief coping mechanism is fascinating.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Bright Horses
B.B. King
3/5
Listened Before? N
Great performance by an all-timer. I don't think I've ever heard him sing before, I just knew of him because he's a household name. This was a good introduction.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Every Day I Have The Blues
Iron Butterfly
3/5
Listened Before? N
Everyone has heard the title track, I believe... Or at least some of it. I really don't mind the song but I don't know why it's 17 minutes long. That being said it's definitely the best thing on this album.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Heaven 17
3/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, cool album. Political new wave! Love it. I have never heard of these guys or this album before. I'm guessing because I'm American and they had no hits here along with the fact this was banned by the BBC. Either way, good stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Lets All Make A Bomb
Pantera
4/5
Listened Before: Y
Wow, Pantera! These dudes were so unique back in the day! Too heavy for me in high school, but a lot of my friends listened to them so I'm very familiar. This is one of their best albums with their sound being polished but the production not quite as overpolished as their later stuff. Dimebag was an amazing guitar player, and Phil still sounds great to this day.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Walk
The Libertines
2/5
Listened Before? N
Ummmmm.... I think I'm not British enough for this album? Critical acclaim? hm. I'm kinda speechless. I didn't HATE it, but I can't say I liked it much either. I think I'll just try to forget this frenetic mess.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: What Katie Did
Solomon Burke
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was great! Love the soul sounds here and the old-fashioned lovesongs. I may keep this one in mind for a relisten.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Just Out of Reach
Red Hot Chili Peppers
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Half of this album is unlistenable for me. It is not the Chili Pepps' fault, though. It's mainstream rock radio playing all the singles from this one directly into the ground, and then playing them some more. If I have to hear the title track one more time my head may explode! That being said, it's a good album and I'll rate it fairly.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Around the World
The Vines
2/5
Listened Before? N
Someone got into their older brother's Nirvana records. Good for them, but it's no Nirvana. Lots of noise and oversimplified songs. Didn't hate it but probably won't listen again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Get Free
Arctic Monkeys
4/5
Listened Before? N
This was pretty good. Listened multiple times. I think I'll add this one to the rotation for a bit.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
The Go-Betweens
2/5
Listened Before? N
It was an okay album. Pretty normal 90s stuff. I can see how it would have been pretty adored by some people. Nothing really stood out to me here though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Streets of Your Town
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Listened Before? N
Really a good portrait of an artist at the time of their death. It sounds like the recording process was fairly unique as well. I enjoyed this.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: You Want It Darker
TLC
4/5
Listened Before? N
Awesome record and undeniably nostalgic for anyone who lived through the 90s. Really enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Creep
Alice Cooper
4/5
Listened Before? N
Alice Cooper is such a well-known artist, but I feel like I personally don't know much about his actual art beyond his image. I know he was huge in the 70s, and I can see why. This album is pure "f-you" suburban teenager music. I really enjoyed it. The art design of the cover is amazing as well.
Added to library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Billion Dollar Babies
Public Enemy
5/5
Listened Before? N
An absolute scorcher here. Chuck D is the freaking man. This record is very, very good. I wish it was a bit more consistent but the first half absolutely rips, and there's several gems on the second half and it's rounded out with Bring Tha Noize! Wow!
Added to Playlist? N
Songs added to playlist: Shut Em Down, Bring Tha Noize
Elvis Costello
2/5
Listened Before? N
I just can't get all the way into EC. I have respect for him because so many critics do, but his music just isn't my style so it's going to suffer in my personal rating. I did like "Clown Strike" so that's fun.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Clown Strike
Public Image Ltd.
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Man, I love Johnny Rotten, and I love the concept of this band and album. That being said, it's just not very accessable. I know that's the point but it's not doing a lot for me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Public Image
My Bloody Valentine
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty cool. Reminds me of music that appeared 3-5 years later in the US. Indie rock that paralleled grunge like Dinosaur Jr. Not quite as catchy as some of their American counterparts but I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Cupid Come
Billy Bragg
4/5
Listened Before? N
What a cool concept! I didn't know Woody Guthrie had so much unfinished work out there that multiple albums could be made from it all. This is the only one I've heard and it was well done. I was extremely thrilled to hear Natalie Merchant on a couple of songs too. She's one of my favorites and always adds a great voice to a song.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key
Happy Mondays
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh, didn't really stand out to me. It was ok mid-80s british pop rock.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wrote for Luck
Koffi Olomide
1/5
Listened Before? N
??? Couldn't even find this album. No.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: none
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Listened Before? N
I'm starting to become a big fan of Nick Cave. I had never listened to much of him before this list, and I'm glad the project pointed me to him. He's diverse and an amazing songwriter. This album is no exception. Awesome stuff. I didn't enjoy it as much as his later, more ethereal Ghosteen... but it's a totally different vibe.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Straight to You
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Listened Before? N
This is my first full-album exposure to Marvin Gaye. He was certainly an amazing singer and a unique talent. I really enjoyed listening to this one. Some of the songs were a bit long but meh, it's ok. Good style of music for long songs.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Everybody Needs Love
The Thrills
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty cool. Just kinda generic-y early 2000's stuff. I don't know that I'd go out of my way to listen to it but it wasn't terribel.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Big Sur
Afrika Bambaataa
2/5
Listened Before? N
This was some interesting stuff... the 80s were a magical time. I'm pretty sure I've heard the title track before in an arcade somewhere in time. I don't know that the whole album needed to be included here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Planet Rock
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Listened Before? N
Cool old PG album. He's not my favorite but this was a decent one. I think I liked it better before he got trippier in the 80s.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to library: Solsbury Hill
The Style Council
2/5
Listened Before? N
It was okay. I was surprised that it seemed to be mostly piano based. I don't feel like it really sticks out.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Paris Match
The Cult
3/5
Listened Before? N
These guys are great hard rockers. Similar to AC/DC in the US with a better vocalist. I enjoyed this album, and I wasn't familiar with any of the songs other than the big hit "Love Removal Machine". I will say, I do like the vocalist but his voice gets a bit old IMO. Also, the cover of Steppenwolf's "Born to be Wild" is horrible.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Love Removal Machine
Aimee Mann
3/5
Listened Before? N
I have only vaguely heard of her before, but I knew her without knowing her because she was in Til Tuesday! I thought her voice sounded familiar and now I know why.
The album itself is 90s grrrrrl rock through-and-through. It's not great, as far as that goes, but it's decent. I like the guitars and the overall ambience but nothing stood out much here. 4th of July and I Should have Known are good. The more I listened, it grew on me. The slower second half would have been right up my alley in HS.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: 4th of July
Steely Dan
3/5
Listened Before? N
Super funky and jammy stuff. I really grooved with this 70's stuff, baby. I feel like I'm not cool enough for it. Jam on, boys.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Peg
Grizzly Bear
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. Slow and sleepy, unintelligible lyrics. Reeks of hipsters. At least it's in (sort of) English.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Two Weeks
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
Listened Before? Y
A grunge album from the golden age! This one is a good one. Although Billy Corgan's voice leaves something to be desired IMO, the compositions and arrangements, the instrumentation (especially the GUITARS) are absolutely perfect.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: Cherub Rock
Ray Price
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. I like the old-fashioned country. It's almost like a crooner/country western crossover. The themes are dated and current at the same time. I could listen to this one again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Night Life
Sam Cooke
5/5
Listened Before? N
Wow. What a performance. My dude was absolutely ON FIRE in the Harlem Square Club in '63. This man's voice is ingrained in 20th century American culture, mostly due to his pop recordings. This is some of the same songs, but the rawness and energy is incredible. I will be listening to this a lot more.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Cupid, Twistin' The Night Away
The Soft Boys
3/5
Listened Before? N
Holy heck... I WISH the lyrical themes weren't so childish. This album is musically awesome! Elements of punk, rock and roll, hard rock, and new wave/synth all mixed together in one complimentary record. If these dudes would've taken themselves a bit more seriously I would have loved this record. As it is, I can tolerate the lyrics to get to the music.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Underwater Moonlight
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4/5
Listened Before? N
This album is a victim of my aversion to overplayed radio songs. A victim, as in, I don't listen to it anymore due to the overplayed-ness of a couple of songs here (notably Under the Bridge, and Breaking the Girl)... BUT... I must say those songs are much better when taken as part of the whole. This album is absolutely AWESOME. The funky-ass sound and mixture of instruments is pure genius. I'm going to re-add this to my library. I do agree with some reviewers (and the band) that this is likely the best album they'll ever record.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Suck My Kiss
Bill Callahan
2/5
Listened Before? N
I can see how this would be some folks' favorite album/artist. To me, it just got old after a few songs. The story telling was okay, the music was a novelty for a bit, but then it all started to blend together. Too much of the same tempo and sound.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Jim Cain
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
Listened Before? N
This album FEELS like the 60's, man. Good stuff. Grace Slick is such a powerful and attention grabbing singer. Really enjoyed this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: White Rabbit
Beatles
3/5
Listened Before? N
An absolute rock 'n roll classic. It doesn't do a lot for me as far as getting me excited or wanting to listen to it on repeat or anything. It's a good album, solid, influential, amazingly well done. It's just not really my cup of tea.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: And I Love Her
Muddy Waters
4/5
Listened Before? N
Nice blues record. Very raw and intense. I'm a sucker for guitar-based blues and that's what we have here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Mannish Boy, Deep Down In Florida
Rufus Wainwright
2/5
Listened Before? N
Mehhhhhhhhhhhh. Another band trying to sound like Radiohead. Or is it Coldplay? Droning and boring. I think I'll mostly pass on this one. I really WANTED to give it a chance but it just kept going and going and going with the droning, weepy sound.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Art Teacher
Motörhead
4/5
Listened Before? N
An awesome live performance by a classic metal god? During their prime? Yes please. I felt like I was in the crowd, banging my head in '81.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ace of Spades
The Byrds
3/5
Listened Before? N
Very interesting album. One of the earliest crossover attempts. I love that it rattled cages in Nashville, and I absolutely LOVE the cover art. The music is nice, although it does drag on near the end I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
Shivkumar Sharma
1/5
Listened Before? N
Oh heck. Another foreign mostly instrumental album with 9+ minute songs. Look, I'm sure its a great composition but it's not my thing.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ode to the Sun God
Orbital
1/5
Listened Before? N
I wish I could use an eye roll emoji on here. Apparently the person who made this list LOVES electronic music. We have a tiny representation of several genres (country, blues, soul to name a few) and 9632 British electronic albums. This stuff isn't awesome. All the songs are 9+ minutes long. Halcyon was pleasant to listen to because of the female vocalist. That's all I can say.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Halcyon and On and On
Manu Chao
2/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting listen. I don't think I'll revisit it just because it's in Spanish but I did like a few of the songs.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist - Bongo Bongo
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
3/5
Listened Before? N
Wooooow. The genesis of rock'n'roll on tape! This was soo cool to hear. Beyond "That'll Be The Day" which everyone probably knows, this album has a raw, unfinished feel to it. There's also an overlap of a classic style with a more modern (at the time) style. He had a great voice too. It would have been amazing to hear where he went after this, but alas, life wasn't having it. We'll just appreciate this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: That'll Be The Day, Not Fade Away
LCD Soundsystem
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty cool. Tons of obvious Talking Heads, Bowie and Cure influences here. Multiple times I forgot I wasn't listening to some obscure 'Heads album during this one. Some of the songs drag on, but it's mostly a pretty unique sound and fun to listen to. I have heard another album by these guys, but it didn't stick out as much as this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: call the police
Justin Timberlake
3/5
Listened Before? N
Not too bad. Very, VERY early 2000s USA vibe. It's kind of a fun nostalgia trip. There are a few amazing pop bangers here, and the mix of beats and instrumentation is fun. I like this one. The main negative I have is that the second half of the album kind of drags. He would have done well to switch up the style a bit and this may have been considered an all-timer.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist - Senorita, Cry Me a River
Buffalo Springfield
4/5
Listened Before? N
Hey, these guys were a SOLID psychedelic band. I loved this just like I loved their last one. Perhaps it doesn't have a song with the radio-friendly appeal of "For What It's Worth", but it is all high-quality and a great time capsule of the 60s, and the sound engineering and instrumentation is way ahead of it's time.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Mr. Soul, A Child's Claim to Fame
Teenage Fanclub
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was a nice indie rock piece. It didn't stray into some of the wierdness indie rock does at times. It was pretty safe and the themes were funny. I liked it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: What You Do To Me
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
4/5
Listened Before? N
Allll right, man! What a cool hippie time capsule this is. I wish all the songs were available on Spotify but I get Neil Young's gripe. I may have to pick this one up on vinyl for the collection. High quality stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Almost Cut My Hair, Woodstock
fIREHOSE
2/5
Listened Before? N
This was interesting. Just sort of a minimalist indie rock album. Not terrible.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: In My Mind
Elastica
3/5
Listened Before? N
This one was pretty good. I have heard Connection before and liked it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Connection
Faust
2/5
Listened Before? N
It was okay. Lots and lots of alt rock and electronic stuff lately is wearing on me and makes it hard to be objective here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Sad Skinhead
Marty Robbins
4/5
Listened Before? N
What a gem! These are all great classic country western songs. I loved this album. I was familiar with Big Iron from New Vegas, of course, but the rest were mostly new to me and I enjoyed it beginning to end.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Big Iron
Brian Eno
2/5
Listened Before? N
Weird stuff. The "magic" of the 70s I guess. Anyway, I remember him but I don't remember the music. Meh. On Some Faraway Beach has a beautiful melody, not sure what else to say.
Added to Library: N
Songs added to playlist: On Some Faraway Beach
Germs
2/5
Listened Before? N
Sadly, this album is unavailable on both spotify and amazon. I don't have the time or inclination to look elsewhere, so I listened to "Media Blitz" which is live and only contains a few of the same songs just to get an idea of their sound. Primitive hardcore. Its fine. They're kind of a mess and far too many fa***t uses even for the 80s.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: None because the album is unavailable.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Listened Before? N
Surprisingly good. Reminds me of many other artists, but she has a unique sound as well.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Red Dirt Girl
Lauryn Hill
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. Familiar with her voice and a few songs but never listened much.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Doo Wop
Todd Rundgren
2/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting but didn't stand out a ton from other 70s stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to Playlist: I Saw the Light
Fever Ray
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was pretty okay for electronic stuff. Kind of mellow, kind of atmospheric. I didn't hate it but I didn't like it enough to listen to it again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Seven
Pere Ubu
2/5
Listened Before? N
What an odd little post-punk album. The first half was unique and new and somewhat rockin'. His voice started grating on me by the end of the album though.
Added to Playlist: N
Songs added to playlist: On the Surface
The Divine Comedy
2/5
Listened Before? N
I don't know how I feel about this style of pop music. On one hand, it's not really my favorite thing, but on the other hand I'm starting to realize there was a whole bunch of 80s-90s stuff from the UK and Ireland that influenced American music in the early 2000s, which I suppose makes this influential. I just think it's okay.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Something for the Weekend
Roxy Music
2/5
Listened Before? N
Another album that I just found okay. Nothing sticks out here. This list may be too long....
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: In Every Dream Home A Heartache
Soundgarden
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Yep, it's Superunkown. I was never a huge Soundgarden fan, but I do recognize their popularity and influence. The hits on this album are overplayed, and unfortunately the deep cuts aren't good enough to make up for that. (unlike many of their grunge/alternative contemporaries).
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Fell On Black Days
Blur
3/5
Listened Before? N
Brit pop! It was kinda what I would expect. Not groundbreaking or anything but an okay listen. I've heard Girls and Boys (think maybe it was a minor hit in the US?) but nothing else.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Parklife
Neil Young
4/5
Listened Before? N
This is a great album! I'm not really partial to Young's voice, but the lyricism and tone are top-notch. It's just a shame you can't listen to it on Spotify right now. I hope they get their issues worked out because I'd love to add it to my library.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Southern Man (hopefully in the future)
Jazmine Sullivan
4/5
Listened Before? N
I've never even heard of her before! This album was so creative and well put together!
Her voice is so interesting and transforms at the drop of a hat. Great music with great lyrics too. I loved this. The interspersment of the different women's stories was a great thing too.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist:
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Listened Before? N
Typical Sinatra. Amazing singing and well arranged. Love the full orchestra sound. Absolutely killer version of IGYUMS.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I've Got You Under My Skin
Django Django
3/5
Listened Before? N
This is classified as art rock on Wiki, but it feels more cohesive to me than most other "art rock" albums are. It feels more like a modern pop album but also very reminiscent of some new-wave stuff, especially Devo. Lots of synth and harmonies. I don't hate this music.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Default
Red Snapper
3/5
Listened Before? N
Judging from the listen counts on Spotify, this one isn't getting many listens overall... it's a good album though. Good mix of electronics and traditional instruments. Good grooves, too.
Added to Library: N
Songs added to playlist: Keeping Pigs Together
Morrissey
3/5
Listened Before? N
Oh Morrisey, you conceited piece of shit. It's such a shame that you're a giant asshole, because your voice and writing are great. Just FYI: your little tirade about America aged like milk. I hope someone adjusts your face soon, but I doubt they will since they haven't yet.
Much like your America thing, I'm going to say "I love you" out the side of my mouth though. I will never spend a cent on your music or concerts, but he clearly has talents. Eat your heart out, you douchey edgelord.
Four stars for content, Two stars for being a douche. Average - 3.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Irish Blood, English Heart
Bad Company
4/5
Listened Before? N
I may or may not have heard this whole album before, but it has so many classics I feel like I definitely have. Just a solid mainstream rock record from the '70s. Also, personal bias - I just really like this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ready for Love, Bad Company
Fugazi
3/5
Listened Before? N
I think I may have heard this one once way back in HS.. It's pretty good. More complex than it seems on the surface. There's some gems here!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Merchandise, Repeater
Beatles
4/5
Listened Before? N(ot all the way through)
What can I say about this one that hasn't been said. Clearly it's one of the best selling and most critically acclaimed albums of all time by one of the best selling and most critically acclaimed bands. Incredible stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight
Drive Like Jehu
2/5
Listened Before? Y
Somehow I have heard this obscure thing before! Millennial punks love this one. I'm not a huge fan. It would have been an awesome hardcore album but they repeatedly break one of the golden rules of hardcore- their songs are WAY TOO LONG.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Here Come the Rome Plows
Fleet Foxes
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. Kinda mellow and groovy. I could listen again but nothing really sticks out to me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: White Winer Hymnal
Aerosmith
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Hell yeah! This album is awesome. I feel like Aerosmith had really refined their sound by the late 80s. This one and Permanent Vacation (1987) were peak albums for them. Absolutely great. It drags in a few spots but not many at all.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Young Lust, What It Takes
Aerosmith
4/5
Listened Before? N
This one wasn't as solid as Pump (yesterday's selection). I feel like the first couple of songs were amazing then it fell off to kinda generic rock and roll... although they were one of the first making "generic" stuff so I'm sure it just didn't age well.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Last Child
The Associates
3/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting stuff. Very new-wavey. Very lightly listened on Spotify. This seems like a hidden gem. I enjoyed it quite a bit but I'm a New Wave fan. I may revisit this later.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Party Fears Two
White Denim
4/5
Listened Before? N
Hey this one was great! Never heard of these guys, but I'm glad they're on the list. I agree with the Rolling Stone review of this album: It "often recalls late-Sixties Grateful Dead, when their songs still had garage-rock drive but were exploding every which way." It has a great flow, and the songs are not too long. I'll be listening to this one again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Street Joy
Cee Lo Green
3/5
Listened Before? N
Semi-modern soul. It was good, just not really my style. Great musicianship and songwriting here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The One
William Orbit
3/5
Listened Before? N
After peeping some of the absolutely scathing reviews of this one here, I have to say - I disagree that it's trash. Despite it's lack of meaningful vocals and the length of the tracks, I really enjoyed it. Sure, it's just mood music, but it's pretty damn good mood music.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Water From A Vine Leaf
Patti Smith
4/5
Listened Before: N
Absolutely killer. I knew she was a big deal in the punk world and now I see why. Poetry, spoken word, punk rock, stream of consciousness... so great. I loved every second of this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Gloria
Mariah Carey
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This has long been one of my 'guilty pleasure' albums. Her voice was peaking on this one, and she avoided a lot of the high-pitched gimmick from her early work. It's appropriate that the first song is "Honey" because that's exactly what her voice evokes. Simply a great pop record.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Honey, Breakdown
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Absolute bangers, back to front. A real classic album. Fogerty's voice is unlike anything else and this mix of scorching originals and classic covers is absolutely awesome.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Run Through the Jungle
The The
3/5
Listened Before? N
Not too bad of an 80s New Wave/Alt record. I can't say it's original, but it's inoffensive. I may listen again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: This Is The Day
Brian Eno
1/5
Listened Before? N
Mehhhhhhhhh. Not good. Not interested in "art rock" or electronic and this combines both with NO lyrics. I'll pass.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Big Ship
Orange Juice
3/5
Listened Before: N
Pretty good! It's very 80s sounding, but the US didn't get a lot of music like this until a few years later. These guys were pretty underground. Good find by the author.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Rip It Up
1/5
Missing from Spotify Unfortunately.
Norah Jones
4/5
Listened Before? N
Incredible voice. She (and this album) is a real gem. The mood and arrangements are well done, and there's not a bad song on this one. It's perfect for this cold, gloomy winter day too. Good stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Don't Know Why, I've Got To See You Again
The xx
2/5
Listened Before? N
Hm. This one seems to be a disconnect between me and the mainstream music media. It's okay.... but "Widespread critical acclaim'? no. Nothing original or particularly inspiring is here. Seems like maybe the acclaim speaks more to the state of modern "indie" music than the quality of this recording. I found it repetitive and boring.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: On Hold
k.d. lang
2/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting cabaret-style music. Not really my thing. Kudos to her for earning a grammy though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Miss Chatelaine
Khaled
2/5
Listened Before? N
Another one that's mostly not available on Spotify. I listened to the one song that WAS on there, and it's very interesting... I'll give it a bonus star.
Added to Library? Can't
Songs added to playlist: El Harba Wine
The Sugarcubes
3/5
Listened Before? Probably at some point
Ahhh Bjork. Queen of Icelandic 90s artists. This album is great, but not as cohesive as some of her later solo stuff. I enjoyed it, but without a healthy dose of 90s weed, her voice gets old after a bit.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Birthday
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3/5
Listened Before? N
Janis Joplin. A powerful and instantly recognizable voice. She's respected but not my cup of tea. I definitely get why she's so admired, and I can't help but wonder what would have happened had she lived longer. A moot point but still a thing to ponder.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Piece of My Heart
Cheap Trick
3/5
Listened Before? N
A pretty good live album. I've never heard about the phenomenon of Cheap Trick mania in Japan. Pretty interesting stuff and it was cool to hear the fans lose their minds. Good performance, too. I know "I Want You To Want Me" is big hit off this one but I can't stomach it anymore. One of the most overplayed songs of all time and actually made me drop a star.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Surrender
Portishead
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Depending on your view, this may be one of the best albums of the 90s. It's really solid. For me, it drips with nostalgia as well. Love her voice and the style. This one will stay in my library.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: Sour Times, Glory Box
Aretha Franklin
3/5
Listened Before? N
What can I say about her that hasn't been said before? I've never listened to this beginning to end but it was really good and has a lot more peppy songs than I thought. I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Chain of Fools
Jeru The Damaja
4/5
Listened Before? N
This sounds like something that would've come out a few years before it actually came out. In a time when gangsta rap and g-funk style had taken over, this guy was still doing a late 80s - early 90s style. Probably the New York influence coming through. The samples are well done, and they lyrics are good. I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: You Can't Stop The Prophet
Television
4/5
Listened Before? N
Kinda rock-y, kinda jam-band-y, kinda new-wave-y, this was a lot of fun. I really liked the title track despite it's 10+ minute run time. Will revisit.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Marquee Moon
Everything But The Girl
2/5
Listened Before? N
This was pretty meh. Very slow and soft. I wasn't a big fan.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I Don't Want to Talk About It
The Who
3/5
Listened Before? N
Nice live album and a nice snapshot of the Who before Keith Moon got booted and died. I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Happy Jack
Richard Thompson
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty typical mid-70s folk stuff. I don't hate it but I prefer the American masters (ex - John Denver or Simon and Garfunkel) more. Not great, not bad.
Added to Playlist: N
Songs added to playlist: When I Get To The Border
Chicago
4/5
Listened Before? N
Cool album. The horns and big band kind of sound mixed with the jamming style really well.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
David Crosby
2/5
Listened Before? N
Eh, it was okay. There's missing songs here due to his political protest against spotify so I didn't get the full experience. Maybe if I'd been more impressed with the songs that are available I would have sought out the rest but I just don't care.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Cowboy Movie
Sabu
1/5
Listened Before? N
MEH. Not my style.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: El Cumbanchero
Tom Waits
3/5
Listened Before? N
As usual, this Waits album was weird. Not really my cup of tea but I can appreciate the art.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Goin' Out West
George Jones
4/5
Listened Before? N
Great stuff. Country classics. George truly had an amazing voice. Sounds like my childhood.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Grand Tour
Goldie
2/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting and vibe-y at first, but gets old quick. Not sure why this is here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Angel
Steve Earle
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good! It's kind of a dichotomy between a country album and an outlaw rock album (ie Springsteen or Mellencamp). Everyone knows Guitar Town (the song) but after that I kind of found it just background music.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist; Guitar Town
Scott Walker
3/5
Listened Before? N
Surprising! This sounds like Bowie with a more real-world theme. I have never heard of him but apparently he was a big Bowie influencer. I did really enjoy this one, but I disagree with the most popular song here. "The Old Man's Back Again" is interesting, but I think it probably lost a lot of its meaning over time. My favorite here was track 1 - The Seventh Seal.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Seventh Seal
Primal Scream
3/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting stuff. It does sound kinda rave-y as others have said but I didn't hate it. I probably won't just listen to it on repeat or anything but it does have it's moments of awesomeness (especially to someone who remembers the 90s). Good listen. Lots of influences here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Movin' on Up
Soft Machine
1/5
Listened Before? N
Nope. Not a fan. It's like Miles Davis with way less talent. Boring.
Added to Library: N
Songs added to playlist: None because they're all 18+ minutes
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Listened Before? N
Stevie is a classic. That was a great solid album from beginning to end.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: You Haven't Done Nothin'
Miles Davis
2/5
Listened Before? N
I have massive respect for this man as an artist. Wonderful skills and arrangement. That being said, it's really not my thing. It starts to sound very same-y after a while and I don't think I'm in the right decade to appreciate it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Shhh/Peaceful
Donovan
4/5
Listened Before? N
Like... far ouuuut, man! This was a good album, for real. Total sixites bomb and it was awesome. Peace and love, man. I love that this was basically dedicated to a woman whom he was pining for and actually ended up marrying.. and they're still married. Donovan just killing it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sunshine Superman, Season of the Witch
Bad Brains
3/5
Listened Before? N
Great hard-rocker and punk album. These guys are big pioneers and influencers. I enjoyed this one but it's not consistent enough for me to listen to it a lot. The title track is a great standout here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I Against I
Burning Spear
2/5
Listened Before? N
I didn't know I "needed to hear" so many reggae albums. I actually don't. They're all very samey in sound and message. This one is okay, just like the rest. Maybe I'm not high enough.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Marcus Garvey
Kraftwerk
3/5
Listened Before? N
Robot voice synth pop? Cool! 6-9 minute songs? Not so much. I didn't hate it, and it was early on the synth stuff (1979) but nothing I'll come back to.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Model
Doves
2/5
Listened Before? N
Eh didn't really stick out to me. There's too many early 2000's indie rock records on this list so far. They all blend together.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Catch the Sun
Jimmy Smith
3/5
Listened Before? N
Nice smooth jazz. Not really my thing on a day to day basis but good for a chill afternoon.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Back at the Chicken Shack
Michael Jackson
5/5
Listened Before? Y
An all-time pop classic. MJ was incredible in his day, and this one may be his best effort beginning-to-end. I'm also of the age that I was fortunate enough to be paying attention when this was released so it was the soundtrack of part of my childhood.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
Frank Sinatra
4/5
Listened Before? N
I don't think there's a Sinatra recording that I don't like his voice speaks to me just like it does millions of others. This one doesn't have all the big top hits on it, but its great all the same.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Girl From Ipanema
The Gun Club
3/5
Listened Before? N
Super interesting sound here. Also- the first song sounds like nothing else on the album. They should've stuck with that friendlier sound.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sex Beat
Sister Sledge
4/5
Listened Before? N
Absolute disco fire! This thing is funky and hot. Sounds like the seventies, baby! Really enjoyed all the non-slow songs here. The ballads drag a little, but not too badly.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: He's The Greatest Dancer
Crowded House
3/5
Listened Before? N
This one was pretty good. I'm famailiar with their work from their couple of mainstream hits, of course, but I wasn't aware of their storied history in Australia and NZ. It has a different feel from American rock music of the time and that's not necessarily a bad thing. I could listen to this again and may.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Weather With You
Happy Mondays
3/5
Listened Before? N
Meh, it was okay. I think this is too British for me. Didn't really care enough to focus on it. It seemed very musically complex though so +1.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Step On
The Stooges
3/5
Listened Before: N
I had no idea what to expect going into this one and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, it has it's moments of abrasiveness, but overall it's a great record and an awesome history piece foreshadowing the coming punk rock movement.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I Wanna Be Your Dog
Muddy Waters
3/5
Listened Before? N
Good stuff. A master in his prime. The subject matter hasn't aged very well in some cases, but still a good listen.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I Feel So Good
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/5
Listened Before? N
After reading the description I'm actually super glad this is unavailable on Spotify. This list has entirely too many "experimental" and art rock albums.
Added to Library? N
Song added to playlist: None because I can't
The Byrds
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good Byrds album. More polished than their early work, but lacking some of the spirit. I enjoyed it but it's not their best work.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Eight Miles High
Talking Heads
5/5
Listened Before: N
Absolutely killer album! I was expecting to like some of this (based on past experience with TH), but I loved nearly every song on this one. I've already listened to it 3 times, and I will have it in rotation for a while.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Don't Worry About the Government, Psycho Killer
Eurythmics
2/5
Listened Before? N
The most 80's sounding 80's album. Weird vocals and sounds meet mid-80's synth pop. It's okay, just not really for me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Love Is a Stranger
Joy Division
4/5
Listened Before: N
Beyond the legends and myth that follow Joy Division, they were actually a pretty good band. Their sound is semi-replicated by New Order, of course, but the original recordings with the original members have their own feel. It's like New Order if they were constantly depressed. Not that that is a bad thing, it just is. I really enjoyed listening to this one just as much as their first album. I will revisit many times.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Twenty Four Hours
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Listened Before? N
Honestly, I had very low expectations going in here because I tend to not like post-millennium rap records. This one, though, is a gem. The lyrics are serious sometimes but silly enough to lighten the mood without the whole record becoming a clown car. I hear a heavy Prince influence in some of these tracks and I like it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: King Kunta
Digital Underground
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good! Everyone of a certain age knows The Humpty Dance, but the extended mix of that and Doowutchalike are pretty good! I love this style of early 90s rap. A more innocent sound. More sex, less murder.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Humpty Dance, Doowutchalike
Van Morrison
3/5
Listened Before? N
I've heard of Van Morrison, of course, but never listened to a single song of his that I'm aware of. So this is quite the introduction... a double live album. I thought it was probably super popular with his fans, and not too hard to listen to - but being unfamiliar with his work it didn't do a ton for me. I'd revisit again after becoming more familiar with his work.
Added to Library: N
Songs added to playlist: Bring It on Home to Me
Jack White
4/5
Listened Before? N
Good album! Jack White is probably one of the most recognizable and consistent modern alternative artists. I like his stuff. The simplicity of his songs is both the main draw and the main drawback, but I'm not tired of this one yet and I plan on keeping it fresh by not listening too often.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sixteen Saltines
Randy Newman
4/5
Listened Before? N
Simply great! Literally. Simple and easy to listen to. His voice is soothing. I'm familiar with his soundtrack work, of course, but this early recording sounds nearly identical to much of his modern stuff. I loved this.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Burn On
50 Cent
3/5
Listened Before? N
He has a good voice and a unique approach for the time. I didn't hate it. Who could hate "In Da Club" anyway?
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: In Da Club
Joni Mitchell
1/5
Listened Before? N
Unavailable on Spotify, and I don't really like much I've heard by her so I'm not going to track it down.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: none.
Alice Cooper
4/5
Listened Before? N
A real rocker! Alice Cooper at his peak in the 70s was the complete package. A showman and a good musician - with unique things to say. I enjoyed this album.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: School's Out
Missy Elliott
2/5
Listened Before? N
This album is like a who's who of 90s rappers. The featured artists are mostly better known than Missy herself. I thought it was okay overall, it had its moments.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sock It 2 Me
Electric Light Orchestra
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good prog album. I'm familiar with these guys but hadn't listened to them much. Enjoyable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Mr. Blue Sky
Tom Waits
2/5
Listened Before? N
I just can't. This list has too much "experimental" stuff on it. I get that Tom is revered for his stuff, but it is NOT for me. Banging on pots and pans and yelling is definitely not my genre. Added a star for reputation but I wouldn't willingly listen to this again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Johnsburg, Illinois (because it's short)
Korn
4/5
Listened Before? Y
One of the biggest albums of the 90s. It had absolute mass appeal amongst the 18-25 demographic. If you don't believe it, look at the reactions of the crowd when they played these songs at Woodstock 99. Pure energy.
The album itself has held up pretty well if you like this sort of thing. Hard rocking, raunchy, and somewhat silly. It's a fun ride.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Got the Life
The Pogues
4/5
Listened Before? N
I've heard of these guys but they never entered my rotation despite going through periods of listening to Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys. This is a little less punky than those two but still in the same Celtic punk vein. I found "Fiesta" especially compellingly unique. I really enjoyed this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Fairytale of New York, Fiesta
Sisters Of Mercy
5/5
Listened Before? Y
If someone asked me to tell them how the 80s FEEL, I'd play this album among the musical choices as I attempted to describe a feeling. This album is awesome. I'm familiar with most of the well-known songs here, but even the deep cuts (probably with the exception of 1959, although at least that one is relatively short) are so much gothy fun. This album sounds like the dark and mysterious girl we all had a crush on in 1985.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: This Corrosion
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
2/5
Listened Before? N
It was an impressive display of artistry. However, world music is not my thing. I'll give it 2 for the musicianship.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: This Little Light of Mine
Pentangle
2/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting album. Eclectic and unclassifiable. If I were still a stoner I'd probably get way into it. As it is, I didn't mind it at all but probably won't revisit it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Light Flight
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Listened Before? N
Grooooovy, mann. I loved this. It was like- hard rock meets pop, meets oldies. Super good sound. I'll be visiting some of their other records to check out more.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I'm Not Your Stepping Stone, Melody for an Unknown Girl
Laibach
1/5
Listened Before? N
German.... wow. Interesting background music I suppose but I'm good on this one pretty much forever.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Opus Dei (only because it's in English)
Q-Tip
2/5
Listened Before? N
This one was okay. I find that Q-tip's voice gets repetitive after a while. He's got decent lyrics and beats, and I see why the Beasties collaborated with him a few times. I don't think this has any staying power for me though. Just not my personal style.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Gettin' Up
Killing Joke
4/5
Listened Before? N
I've read these guys' name on a ton of T-shirts and punk rock battle jackets over the years but never listened to them. I've heard Metallica's cover of "The Wait", but that's about it. They're an interesting enigma. We have all this wild imagery and the violent name.... and the music is pretty tame by today's standards. Anyway, I really love the post-punk sound and I'm glad to learn about this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Wait
MGMT
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. I'm familiar with their hits. The album is kind of all over the place but the sound is fairly consistent. Don't think I'd put it on my shelf but I didn't hate listening to it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Electric Feel
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Listened Before? N
My third Nick Cave album on the list. He's really good. A great songwriter and creative mind. Maybe not the best voice but it fits the material. This is a concept album covering real and fictitious murders. A strange subject for an album but it works for him. I loved it. Even the long ones (O'Malley's Bar at 14:28!) were interesting enough to listen to. Strange, interesting and gritty. The collaborations are also spot-on here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Where the Wild Roses Grow
Method Man
2/5
Listened Before? N
Eh it's okay. His flow is good. I see why it's an important album. It's not really for me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bring The Pain
Snoop Dogg
5/5
Listened Before? Y
Oh yes. This is a g-funk, gangsta rap time capsule. What an awesome album. Basically snoop's big debut solo album after he exploded on the scene on Dr. Dre's The Chronic. Absolute smoke, fire, and flow from beginning to end. Excellent writing and delivery, and actually somewhat of a concept album (at least the beginning). This is one of those rare albums I want to listen to again immediately after the first time. Awesome.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Murder Was The Case, Doggy Dogg World
Beatles
4/5
Listened Before? Y
What can I say about this one that hasn't been said? It's the Beatles at the top of their game. Maybe a little long, but otherwise awesome.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Blackbird
Tom Waits
2/5
Listened Before? N
Tom Waits is a weird guy. Creative... but weird. This album was a cool concept and probably my favorite of the 2700 Tom Waits albums on this list so far but that's not saying much. It was just okay.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Eggs and Sausage
Mercury Rev
4/5
Listened Before? N
Despite them being an American band, I have never heard of them at all. This album is a vibe. I like it. It's mellow enough to just be background music, but also weird enough to get high and trip out to. Holes is awesome, and Goddess on a Hiway gets kinda groovy too. I assumed this album would just resonate as weird with me but by the time I reached the end, I found myself really wanting to keep listening to it. Well done.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Holes
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Good album! Springsteen in his prime. I'm well familiar with this one and since I'm writing these reviews for myself and nobody else I'll just leave it at that.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out, Meeting Across the River
Depeche Mode
5/5
Listened Before? Y
This is an all-time classic of pop music. I know, I know, it's supposed to be an underground record or whatever but the bottom line is - this is a pop record over half the time, and DM were one of the best of the 80s at making pop songs. Mostly catchy, usually well-written and performed, and occasionally repetitive... this one is a real banger (almost) beginning to end.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Halo, Policy of Truth
Led Zeppelin
3/5
Listened Before? N
Well, I had a history lesson today... about the formation of led zeppelin and the relation to the Yardbirds. The fact that these guys weren't some garage band was news to me, they were formed from the ashes of the Yardbirds and knew LOTS of famous musicians who helped them get a start. They were even considered a "supergroup" somehow, which is also surprising.
Enough about all of that - The album is good. It's probably not LZ's best work, but they were still finding their sound at this point. Very bluesy with moments of acid and hard rock, it was a good foreshadow of things to come. I really liked it - I find it better than LZII from a personal opinion, but I find it falls short of LZIIII. Anyway, a solid effort.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Dazed and Confused
R.E.M.
3/5
Listened Before? Y
I dig this album in the way that I dig most early 80s alternative. It's decent background music but I definitely wasn't cool (or old) enough in 83 to really get into it back then... and unfortunately the very genre it helped create had passed it by tenfold by the end of the decade. Radio Free Europe is a classic. The rest of it is decidedly "meh".
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Radio Free Europe
Megadeth
2/5
Listened Before? Y
This is kind of a mystery to me. I hope there's other Megadeth albums on this list because this one is fairly weak. It's okay, and it gets a bonus star just for not being some weird-ass world music but yikes. Many better choices for these guys. Peace Sells is okay, but the rest feels disorganized and unpolished even for an early record.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Peace Sells
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
Listened Before? N
This one is HOT. These dudes were such pioneers and the tragedy of Jam Master Jay is so unfortunate. The music is something that a lot of modern rappers could learn from. Perfect timing and a quick wit along with hard-hitting topics occasionally - all without being violent or demeaning to women. The version of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" is as well executed as it is famous. The real classic shit here.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: It's Tricky, Walk This Way, You Be Illin'
Dizzee Rascal
1/5
Listened Before? N
What the hell? No. Just no. Awful.
Songs added to playlist: Fix Up, Look Sharp
Motörhead
4/5
Leonard Cohen
2/5
Listened Before? N
Seems fine. Not really my thing - I've only room for one 60s folk guy in my library and its Dylan. This dude seems okay though. I'll never listen to it again, but it was fine.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bird on the Wire
Calexico
3/5
Listened Before? N
Cool album. It feels like something much older than it is. Very unique fusion of Latin and Euro-American styles. I enjoyed this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sunken Waltz
The Streets
2/5
Listened Before? N
What an odd little record. Never thought I'd listen to a white guy with a cockney accent rap for an hour but here we are. I do love a concept album but I can't identify with this one. I think I'll give this one a miss for the rest of my life.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Blinded by the Lights
Beck
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Probably Beck's best work, this album is pretty good cover-to-cover. It was five cuts deep for him spawning several hits and garnered him big critical acclaim. My personal favorites are some of the deeper cuts.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Lord Only Knows
Madonna
2/5
Listened Before? N
Ehhhhh.. not sure what this is doing here especially when I haven't seen any of her earlier work on the list. Music the song is okay but the rest was meh.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Music
Kings of Leon
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. Not necessarily as good as THEY think is is but pretty good nonetheless. I dig the groove and the mood.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Notion
Little Simz
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow what a surprise! This album was on a whole nother level from all the other British rap I've heard in my life. She seems to have a great sense of self-awareness and is an excellent lyricist. Not sure who is responsible for the arrangements but the beats are also incredible. Highly enjoyed.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: 101 FM
The Beta Band
2/5
Listened Before? N
I found this one pretty unremarkable. Not sure what it's doing here. It's not bad - per se- but I feel like maybe the author was struggling to find Scottish bands for representation.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Squares
Iron Maiden
5/5
Listened Before? Y
One of my favorite albums of all time. A metal masterpiece from cover to cover and Bruce Dickinson's amazing voice is on full display here. Awesome!
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Children of the Damned, The Number of the Beast
Elliott Smith
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good, although this is one of the albums on the list that I can't help but think were given some extra credit due to the tragedy of the death of the artist. That being said - it's an unobtrusive listen but kind of boring. Nothing really sticks out here. Feels like background music to an indie movie.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Son Of Sam
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
Listened Before? N
Absolute FIRE. These dudes are the real OG's of cool style and rap/rock crossover. What a time to be alive in the mid 80's with them, the Beasties and many others creeping around. All killer no filler here.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Rock Box
The Yardbirds
1/5
Listened Before? N
An interesting crossover and landmark record. Pretty trippy and hard rocking for it's time. I enjoyed listening but it suffers from an unfortunate issue with me: I refuse to support Eric Clapton. So while I did enjoy it, I won't listen again and give him any more royalties. Eat it, Eric.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Over Under Sideways Down
The Dandy Warhols
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. Decent background music. Feels hip but not really my style.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Every Day Should Be A Holiday
Paul McCartney and Wings
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good stuff. I liked the general vibe here, although I felt like he was trying to be The Beatles without The Beatles. He did an okay job of that while also incidentally creating some good music.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Band On The Run
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
1/5
Listened Before? N
Great blues. Eric Clapton is a douche.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: All Your Love
Youssou N'Dour
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty neat African beats. Not really my style but I didn't hate it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Immigres
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Listened Before? Y
One album short of their prime, this one is pretty good. These guys captured talent-lightning in a bottle for a few years and this is one of their best albums.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: America
Skunk Anansie
1/5
Listened Before: N
Annoying. Not sure why this is here. I think they think they're punk rockers or something? No idea.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Secretly
Throwing Muses
1/5
Listened Before? N
Unavailable on Spotify.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: N/A
The United States Of America
2/5
Listened Before? N
Super interesting slice of musical history. A bit noisy for me but I like the themes and the story of the band/record. Too bad they didn't last a bit longer, because they probably could've refined their sound into something great.
Added to Library?
Songs added to playlist: The Garden Of Earthly Delights
2/5
Listened Before? N
It was okay. A little jammier and more repeat-y than I like from funky stuff like this but still solid work. Some of the song lengths are insane. I see why it's on the list but I probably won't revisit it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Cisco Kid
The Smiths
3/5
Listened Before? N
Despite my dislike for Morrisey, this album was pretty okay.
Won't listen again but I didn't hate it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Headmaster Ritual
Hookworms
4/5
Listened Before? N
A surprising album. I've never heard of them before, but apparently they made 4 albums in their group's lifetime with this being the final. Its a great chill record with lots of synth influences from the 80s. I really enjoyed it and may check out some of their other stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Opener
Nitin Sawhney
3/5
Listened Before? N
Nice! An apocalyptic concept album! I am a sucker for things like this and this one is no exception. I wish a bit more of it was in English, but it makes sense not to be. I enjoyed almost all tracks, but Homelands is a standout.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Homelands
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Listened Before? N
This is great! I'm largely unfamiliar with most Stevie Wonder works, and this was a good introduction. I like the variety, and his voice and composition are both awesome on this record.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Superstition
Elliott Smith
3/5
Listened Before? N
Mellow and laid-back. Probably before it's time as a lo-fi hipsterish album before those things became cool. A hipster to out hipster the hipsters. I enjoyed it, but nothing really stood out. I'll repeat what I said about "Super 8": Sounds like the soundtrack to an indie movie. I'll listen a second time and see how I feel but for now, a solid 3.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Angeles
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3/5
Listened Before? N
A really good album. As far as late 2000s stuff goes, this is a real gem. It's still got that "hipster" vibe to it, but it's pretty heavily influenced by new wave and punk. I like that about it. Some of the songs are way too long for the simplicity of the lyrics, but overall a good one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Zero
Queens Of The Stone Age
3/5
Listened Before? N
Groovy! Stoney stuff. I like it. Heavy and heady. A couple of the later songs would probably give me a bad trip just because they're not as groovy but it's debatable whether I care or not. I think not.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: If Only
Janet Jackson
4/5
Listened Before? N
One of the greatest mainstream pop albums of the 80s - approaching at at times surpassing her debatably more famous brother's works from the time period. The concept album with social commentary was a breath of fresh air and - as I remember - caused a large social movement within the youth of the time. She meant business, and we noticed. It helps that there's lots of great songs on here as well. Love this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Rhythm Nation, Love Will Never Do
10cc
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was a pretty unique pop record! I really liked how original it was without straying into the weird fringes of "art rock"(at least not many times). Good production value and good hooks on the songs.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Wall Street Shuffle
The Strokes
3/5
Listened Before? N
Surprisingly good. I believe this album contributed to some of the lo fi trend of the early 2000s. Last Nite is a bit overplayed, but I enjoyed the record overall, and it doesn't drag on forever so I may revisit it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Hard to Explain
T. Rex
2/5
Listened Before? N
It was okay. I think the author is a bit hung up on 1970s British rock, because this is yet another one that doesn't stand out. The big hit off the album (Bang a Gong) is severely overplayed in the US, so I can only imagine how overplayed it is in England. Anyway, just sorta generic.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Cosmic Dancer
Green Day
4/5
Listened Before? Y
A staple of my HS CD collection. Good stuff. Their best album until they outdid themselves 10 years later.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: She, Coming Clean
Anita Baker
1/5
Unavailable on spotify
The Darkness
4/5
Listened Before? N
I remember when this album came out. I was actually very excited about the single "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and it was a huge hit as I expected. However, they didn't get much more play other than that. 2003 was a weird time where we were stuck between radio and streaming/file sharing. I never even ended up listening to the whole thing because I wasn't quite ready to pay for it. Now, though, I have listened to the whole album and I got to say it is a breath of fresh air for that particular time. Great hair-metal sound in a non hair-metal time. I really enjoyed this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I Believe In a Thing Called Love
Beth Orton
3/5
Listened Before? N
Kind of mediocre. I had high hopes after the first song "Stolen Car" but unfortunately, it's the stand-out from the record. I didn't hate it, but her voice drones after a bit, and the electronic music could've just been replaced with a band as it doesn't do much to add to the songs (and in fact makes them overcomplicated sometimes). Overall a okay listen but I won't revisit. I'll give it an extra star for production value.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Stolen Car
PJ Harvey
1/5
Unavailable on Spotify.
The Stranglers
2/5
Listened Before? N
British 70s punk. I found it okay. I don't know why there's so much keyboard in this album, and I don't know why nobody cares how problematic the first song "Sometimes" is from a modern viewpoint but hey... it's punk(ish... I still think its closer to edgy new wave but whatev). I guess it deserves to be here for some reason and Robert Smith listed it as one of his favorite albums so that gives it cred... right? right??
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Peaches
Ministry
2/5
Listened Before? Y
My best friend in HS loved this album so I've heard it many times. Its not my favorite and I never became a fan despite his best efforts. I don't mind Jesus Built My Hotrod so that's the song I'm choosing.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Jesus Built My Hotrod
Björk
3/5
Listened Before? N
What an interesting piece of work. Yes, I know, it's Bjork so it's going to be interesting. This one is extra unique though. I actually really enjoyed it but it was a bit of a challenge to listen to the whole thing in one sitting. I took a few breaks and continued on later. There's a lot of layers and complexity here and honestly she's probably a genius. Bonus ports for Mike Patton having a background role here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Oceana
Genesis
2/5
Listened Before: N
Interesting. Genesis did a concept album while trying not to break up. I feel like this album could've been really good, but you can feel the tension bleeding through. I don't know what's up with Gabriel's voice here... less production I suppose - It was supposed to sound raw and it does... but not in a good way. I really didn't enjoy this one much. A+ for effort though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: (Title Track)
Simple Minds
4/5
Listened Before: Y
Oh yes. This is an absolutely awesome new wave album by one of the best new wave artists. Early enough not to be over-polished, but polished enough to be a fun listen. Love it!
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)
Bert Jansch
3/5
Listened Before? N
A nice 60's folk album in the vein of the music of so many of his American contemporaries. Underproduced and unpolished, and lovingly written from his heart. I really was surprised here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Needle of Death
Public Enemy
4/5
Listened Before? N
Unsurprisingly AMAZING. Nothing has caught the energy of a generation quite like these gentlemen. They're raw power and aggression mixed with humanity. All they wanted was equality, peace, and probably reparations. I dig it a lot. This is a lazy review, but suffice it to say - an awesome album that is probably timeless.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: 911 Is A Joke, Fight The Power
Badly Drawn Boy
3/5
Listened Before? N
This record is pretty good for what it is. Surprisingly good for early 2000s English pop. The Floyd influences are front and center and it works well. I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Shining
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good early britpop/rock stuff here. I’ve never spent much time listening to this band so this was all new to me. Deserves its spot on the list.
Added to Librsry? N
Somgs added to playlist: Victoria
The Slits
2/5
Listened Before? N
This record gives new meaning to Lo-Fi. The mastering is so quiet on the version on Spotify that you can barely hear it. I read some reviews that refer to this claiming that it was intentional. Either way, it's not good. I'll give it an extra star for titties on the cover but that's about it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Instant Hit
Skepta
2/5
Listened Before? N
Ever wonder what would happen if Eminem had a British accent, worse lyrics, and a producer who isn't Dre? Me either. But that's what this record reminds me of. Rambling and not too interesting.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Man
Björk
2/5
Listened Before? N
I'm going to be honest here... I didn't make it through this album. Not because I didn't like it, or her, but because I have to be in the right mood for Bjork, and the past few days were not those days. I'm going to give it another listen later, but my impression is that it is not her best work.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Stonemilker
Dagmar Krause
1/5
Listened Before? N
Obscure and unavailable. Eye roll.
Added to Library? Can't
Songs added to playlist: Cant.
The Coral
4/5
Listened before? N
A good album from a band that I didn’t remember hearing until I heard the final track. The style is all over the place (in a good way) and they seem to be talented musicians. It wasn’t long enough to get old, and a few of the songs were downright catchy.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Dreaming of You
De La Soul
4/5
Listened Before? N
I enjoyed this one, more 90s hip hop that continues to move the needle in my collection.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Eye Know
CHIC
3/5
Listened Before? N
For what they are, Chic is a killer band. 70's disco/dance tracks including a couple of classics here. Enjoyed this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Le Freak
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. I don't understand what sets him apart from a lot of his popular contemporaries. I think Costello is one of those guys - if you like him, you REALLY like him. If you don't he sounds pedestrian. I fall into the latter category. Maybe you had to be there either in time or place?
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: W S F A P L A U
Wild Beasts
2/5
Listened Before? N
This one isn't for me. The author of this list seems to be deep down the hole of early-2000s British indie rock. I did not need to hear this before I die anymore than any other album of the same genre and time period.
Added to Library: N
Songs added to playlist: All The King's Men
Can
2/5
Listened Before? N
Man, this is some weird shit. It's creative, but weird and long and I just don't care enough to waste a bunch of time analyzing it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Mushroom (because it's "short")
King Crimson
4/5
Listened Before? N
I've been meaning to get around to these guys for years, and never have. This album is pretty damn amazing. Contemporaries of Pink Floyd, they use a lot of the same techniques and lyric structures. I really enjoyed this and will revisit.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: The Court of the Crimson King
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
Listened Before? N
I’m familiar with these guys from their later work in the 90s. This album is similar, but less polished and noisier. I liked it for what it was. Sort of a wall-of-sound approach to alternative music. Good vocals too.
Added to Library? N
Somgs added to playlist: Freak Scene
Al Green
3/5
Listened Before? N
He was a great talent. Good voice and awesome arrangements here on this album (not sure if he's responsible or not). Nice and smooth and good lovin' soul music. The inclusion of the timeless classic "Let's Stay Together" takes this one up a notch.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Let's Stay Together
The Police
3/5
Listened Before? N
Really solid effort beginning to end on this album. I may get this on vinyl as there are no really bad tracks here. It drags a bit at times, but overall awesome.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Walking on the Moon
Dr. John
2/5
Listened Before? N
This is one of those "you had to be there" records from the 60's. It's very creative and very odd. I'm not on enough drugs.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Mama Roux
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
Listened Before? N
Good jazz album. Very mellow and jammy. I really enjoyed this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Take Five
Rush
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Pretty solid, bringing me back to college and my Rush superfan buddy. I haven't heard this one in years. The Temples of Syrinx is a classic here and I don't mind the rest of the record although it's definitely not radio-frendly.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Twilight Zone
Simply Red
2/5
Listened Before? N
In The Village Voice, Robert Christgau wrote that there were essentially "only two songs on this album", "Money’s Too Tight (to Mention)" and "Heaven", but that Hucknall and the band carry off the album "on mood and groove alone".
I've never agreed with a professional music review more. This album is straight up boring outside of those two songs, and the hit here "Holding Back the Years" is no exception. Mediocre at best.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Money's Too Tight (To Mention)
Slipknot
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Man. This album feels like a missed opportunity for Slipknot to really take their sound into the stratosphere. Psychosocial is such a gem. Gemarita and the title track are brutal progressions from their previous work. The rest of this album is not what I had hoped for. Dead Memories feels like an out-of-place afterthought. So many other tracks are trying to hard to be a toned-down version of what SK previously was.
This is my unbiased opinion as someone who has no previous strong feelings about the band as a whole- I wish they'd have thought hard before compromising and this record could've been an absolute metal classic.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Psychosocial
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
Listened Before? N
Not terrible. That's kinda how I feel about this one. It feels very experimental, and like it came from a band who was internally strained. Late Beatles-esque. Not musically, but as a feel. Not sure that makes sense but it's what comes to mind. Still love Stevie, though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sara
SZA
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, really surprising. I have only heard of her in passing, but this album is very, very good. Nice mix of hip-hop and R&B with some trap sound. Very intelligent lyrics make this a rare one. Loved it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Broken Clocks
Jamiroquai
4/5
Listened Before? N
Surprisingly good. Like many Americans I'm only familiar with "Virtual Insanity" by these guys. That was two albums AFTER this one. I really grooved on the sound here, the singer has a great voice and the band is talented. I will revisit it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: When You Gonna Learn?
Neu!
2/5
Listened Before? N
It's not terrible, but I'm not sure why it's on this list. I guess we just needed multiple examples of the mighty "krautrock" genre? The whole thing is meh.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: ISI
The Young Rascals
3/5
Listened Before? N
Like, some nice groovy 60s stuff, mannn. This was pretty good but overall pretty similar to other artists of the time. The big hit here - Groovin' - is nice, but I actually enjoyed the other single - How Can I Be Sure - Better.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: How Can I Be Sure
Scott Walker
2/5
Listened Before? N
No idea why this is here. Clearly I need to be more British.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Jackie
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
Listened Before? N
This is not Echo's best effort but I still liked it fine. Some songs drag.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Killing Moon
1/5
Listened Before? N
Many of the songs on this record have less than 100k listens on Spotify. Is it an undiscovered gem or trash? I don't know because I don't have the patience to listen to over an hour of Portuguese.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Tantos Desejos
Beastie Boys
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This one is HOT. I love this early Beasties record. Only Paul's Boutique beats it out IMO. I love the original instrumentation mixed with sampling, something they did as well as anyone.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Girls, Paul Revere
The Roots
4/5
Listened Before? N
These guys are great, and this album is brilliant. Before reading the wiki entry, I had never considered the concept of Progressive Rap. That's exactly what this is and I love it. Bonus points for great use of sampling on this one as well. I hear it was delayed - it was worth the wait I'll bet. I will listen to this one again for sure.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Sacrifice
Dr. Dre
5/5
Listened Before? Y
An all time classic and one of my favorite albums of all time. Did it age well? Thematically, no... Plenty of misogyny here and the N bombs are overwhelming. That being said, stylistically and influentially, this thing is straight up fire, and the language is a product of the time and situation that produced the record. I can ignore the transgressions and most others should too.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Lil Ghetto Boy
Buzzcocks
3/5
Listened Before: N
Sex Pistols, is that you??? British pop punk from the 70s! Cool stuff. And much less political than the Pistols but very similar sounding. I dig it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: What Do I Get?
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This is a quintessential 90's alternative album. Highly influential and well done. Big fan of this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Stop!
AC/DC
4/5
Listened Before? Y
A pure hard rock classic. Heavy, catchy, and highly influential. More refined than their earlier work, and much more mainstream friendly.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Hell's Bells
D'Angelo
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good for 90s stuff. I like that it's not all electronic.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Brown Sugar
R.E.M.
4/5
Listened Before? Y
A staple of my late teens and early 20s, this album is a classic to me. I'm incapable of an unbiased review, but I'll say that I prefer a lot of REM's earlier stuff more. This is still a great record, but it has a different vibe.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Nightswimming
Pixies
2/5
Listened Before? N
90s alt rock. Has its moments. Also has moments of crap. There's some edgelord stuff in here that is annoying but I like the sound.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Velouria
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
Listened Before? N
Honestly, kind of boring. The singer mumbles and I'm not sure why there's like... 7 people in the band when their music is so basic and stripped down.
Not a fan of this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Get Away from Here, I'm Dying
Christina Aguilera
3/5
Listened Before? N
Honestly, I missed this one when it was released. I don't believe I've ever heard any of these songs. It was a good listen. I like the throwback vibe here, and Ain't No Other Man is a scorcher. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole album.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ain't No Other Man
Stan Getz
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. More foreign language stuff. Good music so +1 but I'll pass.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Girl From Ipanema
MC Solaar
1/5
Listened Before: N
Nope. I most definitely did not need to hear a french language hip hop album before I died.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Intro (because it's short and he doesn't rap)
Raekwon
3/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, another awesome 90s rap album I haven't heard! The lyrics and delivery are awesome, and it's held up better than most "gangsta" stuff. Loved it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Knuckleheadz
Nico
2/5
Listened Before? N
What.... even is this? I don't understand the appeal here at all. A droning, monotone, heavily-accented woman (who also sounds like she smokes 2 packs a day) makes a pop album? And it's super popular? Not for me, thanks.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: These Days
Bill Evans Trio
3/5
Listened Before? N
Good white guy jazz. I enjoyed it but it's pretty mellow. Good background music for a restaurant.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Gloria's Step
The Psychedelic Furs
2/5
Listened Before? N
So, I expected to like this album a lot more than I did, especially considering how much I like most new wave stuff. I love Pretty in Pink, and I was familiar with it well in advance. The rest of it, though... I just didn't enjoy much. She Is Mine is okay, but most of the other songs just drone and some of them are WAY too long.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Pretty in Pink
The Stooges
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty cool listen. I like that it's raw and primal. Seems very influential to a lot of punk and punk sub-types that came after it. It's cool to hear something like this sound from so early on. I used to listen to things that sounded very much the same in the 90s thinking I was hearing originality.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Down the Street
Os Mutantes
2/5
Listened Before? N
Trippy and foreign. Super interesting fusion here. I don't really like that I can't understand them but there's a certain novelty to hearing the typical 60's Britpop sounds in Portuguese.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist; A Minha Menina
Devendra Banhart
2/5
Listened Before? N
I don't know, man. All these early-2000's hipster lo-fi bands are just kinda meh. I don't think I needed to hear this one before I die, but it didn't hurt me. Totally unmemorable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Body Breaks
Janelle Monáe
3/5
Listened Before? N
Well, this is the best album of the week so far.... which isn't saying much. I did kind of enjoy it but it's just more modern hip hop. She does have a great voice and a somewhat unique take but it's not anything I'll listen to again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Cold War
Circle Jerks
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This may not be a popular album overall... but it IS a popular album with me! I love this old-ass hardcore stuff. Short brutal songs, and fun lyrics. It has a quality I usually hate - repetitive lyrics - but the songs are so short it doesn't matter. This one is a banger.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: World up My Ass
Carpenters
3/5
Listened Before? N
Wheeeww. This is some 70's elevator shit right here. It's fine, it's just not my cup of tea. Karen Carpenter had quite the voice, though. I didn't hate the album, it just put me to sleep.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Close To You
Frank Zappa
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was way better than every other Zappa album I've heard. He's usually such a dumbass edgelord, hearing some serious-ish music was refreshing. It's too bad he didn't spend his career writing jazz or he may have been considered a great musician instead of a footnote.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Peaches En Regailia
The Triffids
4/5
Listened Before? N
Seems these guys were doing something pretty similar to some American artists at the time: i.e. Tears for Fears style new wave pop. I really enjoyed this one. It's like an undiscovered album for me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bury Me Deep in Love
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
Listened Before? N
Another banger from ATTCQ! I love this early 90's hip hop style. I miss it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Scenario
Maxwell
3/5
Listened Before? N
Awwww yeah... sex music. Lets not pretend it's anything else, okay? It's fine for what it is.. kinda dated but smooth and buttery for banging your wife.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ascension
Kraftwerk
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. I had a lot of trouble caring about this album. It was slow and repetitive and the tracks were so very long. I don't think I'll ever revisit it. I've been told it's influential so I guess I'll take that and give it an extra star.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Hall of Mirrors
John Lennon
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, this album surprised me. I don't know why - it's John Freaking Lennon... but I didn't expect it to be as good as it is (for whatever reason). It just goes to show that his he was a complete singer/songwriter even without the other guys (much like McCartney has proven - and the other two to some extent). I really enjoyed the music, and I liked how raw it was compared to late Beatles records with their grandeur and over production.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist : Working Class Hero
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
1/5
Listened Before? N
These edgelords screaming and making noise do not deserve a spot on this list. Go away.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wail
Fatboy Slim
3/5
Listened Before? N
I'm not big on electronic music (especially instrumentals) but this one was really good! Easy to listen to, and the structures make sense.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Song For Lindy
Iron Maiden
3/5
Listened Before? N
Well, it's something pretty good. It's not Iron Maiden good, but that's a high standard. Switching from the singer on this album to Dickinson on the next may be the single greatest upgrade an established band has ever made. This one isn't terrible, and the music ROCKS, but the themes and vocal work are sub-standard for Maiden.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Prowler
The Boo Radleys
3/5
Listened Before? N
Hey, I've heard of these guys but never once listened to their music. This was a great 90s shoegaze style record. Reminds me of Dinosaur Jr. a bit. I like it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wish I Was Skinny
Parliament
4/5
Listened Before? N
Awwwww shit. This is some FUNKY shit right here. The 70s were a magical time, and this album is no exception. Funky, fun, not taking itself seriously, and seriously 70s. HEAVILY influential to the G-Funk movement later as well. This one was a blast!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Give Up The Funk
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Listened Before? N
Another good one from SW. I enjoyed it, but not as much as some of his others.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Higher Ground
Echo And The Bunnymen
4/5
Listened Before? N
I love these guys! I have spent a lot of time listening to a few of their other albums but this one has slipped past me until now. Great 80s stuff. Great sound and good production. Awesome!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Cutter
Japan
3/5
Listened Before? N
More really good 80s synth pop! I wasn't familiar with the group but now I am and I really enjoyed this one! Nothing jumped out at me as being over the top good or bad, but I could listen to music of the genre all day so it works for me!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Quiet Life
Primal Scream
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good! Creative and original sounding. I enjoyed it. "Star" is a standout amongst many other less accessible songs.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Star
Lorde
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow! A great surprise here. I loved this album. You can hear Jack Antonoff in the sound (very Taylor Swift-ish), but that's not a bad thing. Lyrics and music are all on point.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Green Light
Willie Nelson
5/5
Listened Before? Y
Yep, one of my favorite albums of all time. This one is a classic and I already have it in my library. This is a good excuse to listen to it today!
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Time of the Preacher
Elvis Presley
3/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting is the word I'd use to describe this one. Elvis' first album and you can tell they hadn't quite landed on the sound they wanted him to have. He was trying all kinds of different voices and styles... but, in the end, song 1- Blue Suede Shoes is the style that worked. Great song, and a decent album.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Blue Suede Shoes
Led Zeppelin
5/5
Listened Before? Y
Well, there's not much more to say about this one other than it's one of the most influential and classic hard rock albums of all time. Close to perfect.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Going To Californit
Christina Aguilera
4/5
Listened Before? N
I really enjoyed this album. A nice pure early 00's pop album. I do not, however force myself to listen to "Beautiful" it's an extremely overplayed song even today. I'm not mad it exists, I just don't want to hear it.
I disagree with the reviews from the time saying the album was unfocused... it seems really well put together to me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Can't Hold Us Down
Lynyrd Skynyrd
3/5
Listened Before? N
Clearly, this is one of the most influential southern rock albums of all time. It isn't really my thing although I've gone through periods of liking songs from it separately. Free Bird, Tuesday's Gone, Gimme Three Steps, Simple Man... an incredible track list. 100% deserving of the list and I'm glad I got to hear the deep cuts.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Gimme Three Steps
David Ackles
3/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting stuff. 70s folk is always kind of hit-or-miss. This one was pretty good and from what I read is considered influential. I can feel the Sinatra influence on HIM, and can tell he influenced Neil Diamond. Subject matter is everyday life, and the life of a struggling performer. A good easy listen. One Night Stand made my Spotify likes.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: One Night Stand
The Avalanches
3/5
Listened Before? N
A pretty well done electronic album. Not really my cup of tea but as far as mostly instrumental albums go I didn't mind it. A bit reminiscent of Handsome Boy Modeling School with it's heavy media samples.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Frontier Psychiatrist
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Listened Before? N
Another classic rock... well... classic. This one was very good from beginning to end. Not much else to say.
Added to Library: N
Songs added to playlist: Can't You Hear Me Knocking
The Mothers Of Invention
1/5
Listened Before? Y
I've heard this a few times. Didn't like it before, don't like it now. Edgelord comedy "rock" filled with shock attempts and fart jokes.
Lame.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Who Needs The Peace Corps? (only because it's close to being an actual song).
Earth, Wind & Fire
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. I like my 70s funk a little funkier than this, but it's a decent pop record. Didn't hate listening to it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Shining Star
Steely Dan
2/5
Listened Before: N
I'm not sure how to categorize this album. It's like... an attempt at rock that came across as easy listening? I don't know. I do know that the 3 hits on this album are VERY VERY VERY overplayed. I think I'll pass on this one forever.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Dirty Work
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Listened Before? Y
One of the best hard rock albums of all time. Everyone is probably familiar with at least part of this record. Sometimes in these reviews I rail about juvenile subject matter... THIS is an example of how you should handle such in my opinion. Gritty and hard and unapologetic instead of treating everything as a joke. A killer album.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Welcome To The Jungle, Nightrain
Herbie Hancock
3/5
Listened Before? N
Yep, 70s jazz. Too bad the porn industry decided to make this style of music into "porn music" because that's all I can think of when listening. It was okay. Not really a fan of the long jam style here but it works alright.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Chameleon
The Velvet Underground
4/5
Listened Before? N
Good album. I see why it was not well accepted in the beginning. It was new and different. This record is a clear influence on thousands that came after it. Loved it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sunday Morning
Robbie Williams
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. Pretty generic pop without the spirit of Take That. His voice is the same, but the heart is gone here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Let Me Entertain You
Sonic Youth
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good and I'm sure very influential to modern artists. I couldn't pay attention much because, for better or for worse, they're just kind of boring to me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Schizophrenia
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good for EDM. I don't necessarily groove on the repetitive lyrics but the beats are nice and something I probably wouldn't have given a chance without this list.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Leave Home
Kings of Leon
4/5
Listened Before? N
I only knew of these guys from their very, very, very overplayed hits. This album has none of them. It's a breath of fresh air and a very solid album. I love the throwback feel of it. It's like White Stripes meets Skynrd. Really enjoyed this record.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Red Morning Light
Dwight Yoakam
4/5
Listened Before? N
This guy is awesome. One of my all-time favorite country voices and he doesn't push an agenda. Just old school country and a smooth as butter voice. Awesome record.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I Got You
Mudhoney
4/5
Listened Before? N
Great album, perfectly captures an era in rock music. Grunge/alt stuff from the early 90s has such a carefree attitude and this album is one of the better ones I've heard. I really enjoyed this.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Good Enough
Aerosmith
4/5
Listened Before? N
Yep. Best hard rock group of the 1970s IMO. At the top of their game here too. Rockers all the way through and a great pompous attitude to go along with good musicianship. These boys could throw it down.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Toys In The Attic, Sweet Emotion, Big Ten Inch Record
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
Listened Before? N
I loved this one. I'm conditioned to this pre-grunge stuff because friends introduced me to it in the 90s. Not my favorite genre but I do appreciate it. THIS album, however, is maybe my favorite by these guys so far and stands out IMO.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Kracked
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. More foreign language stuff. I did really enjoy the guitar work here but I found the whole thing sleepy overall. Good news it reminded me briefly of some Grateful Dead song and I listened to the Dead the rest of the day.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bonde
JAY Z
4/5
Listened Before? N
Great stuff. He's a master.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Izzo
Grateful Dead
4/5
Listened Before? N
Like, allllright man! The Dead! Love these guys. I have not heard this particular recording before, and it's a good one. The inclusion of a 23 minute version of Dark Star as all of side one of the double album is spectacular. I was groovin. This is early stuff, so not as polished as some of their later publications but they were tight and awesome jammers even back then.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: St. Stephen
Bob Dylan
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Young Bob! You can hear the switch flip about halfway through this album and he goes from "Pop Bob" to "Songwriter Bob". I like this album but it's not one I'll listen too regularly. Too long and rambling in the second half.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Girl from the North Country
Scissor Sisters
3/5
Listened Before? N
This album was hot and cold for me. Lots of disco grooves which is kind of a nice thing, and Take Your Mama is a scorcher, but on the other end we have the disco version of Comfortably Numb... they should be ashamed of this version. Awful.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Take Your Mama
Eminem
5/5
Listened Before? Y
An absolute classic. This dude is incredible when he's at the top of his game and he was in 2000. The soundtrack to the PS2 generation.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Kill You
Solange
3/5
Listened Before? N
Didn't even know this person existed. Beyonce's sister has the family pipes! Nice voice and great writing on this one. Great mood piece and feels classic. Not really my cup of tea but I wouldn't complain if someone wanted to put this on at a party.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Cranes in the Sky
Les Rythmes Digitales
3/5
Listened Before? N
Not as bad as I expected when I read about it. Some good retro EDM stuff here, but also some songs that are grating. I probably wouldn't come back to this one but didn't mind my time with it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Hey you what's that sound?
Ray Charles
5/5
Listened Before? N
Timeless. Mr. Charles was an icon when I was born, and his music stands and speaks for itself all these years later. This was made in a time that didn't even resemble modern life, yet, the themes and music transfer so well - if you let them. There isn't any filler or a single bad song on this record... and it's a double album. Take note, modern artists and record companies, THIS is what true talent sounds like.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I Can't Stop Loving You
Saint Etienne
4/5
Listened Before? N
This took several songs to grow on me, but in the end I really enjoyed it enough to go back and revisit a few songs immediately. Feels very 90s, and that's a very good thing. Trip-hop is what they called this style I think and it's pretty groovy.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: She's the One, Only Love Can Break Your Heart
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. I wrote a whole review for this and I lost it. Sadly, I think this one is a solid album but not really a stand out.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Pump It Up
Sheryl Crow
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Not too bad, just kind of poppy 90s stuff here. I do enjoy that she's from the tiniest of towns in Missouri and made it to the level of success that she did. This album won't turn any modern heads, but in it's time it was a big one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: All I Wanna Do
Johnny Cash
4/5
Listened Before? N
This one is a modern classic. The man in black showing that he still could put it down even moving into his 70s. He knew he was dying, and you can hear it in every song here. The choices of covers are perfect, and the originals are awesome at setting a tone. NIN's Hurt gets all the attention - and it's awesome - but I think others surpass it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Man Comes Around
Elton John
5/5
Listened Before? N
A master in his prime produces masterpieces. This one is no exception. There are no bad songs on this album, and the mood is spectacular.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Levon
Black Sabbath
5/5
Listened Before? N
I really love this album. Stripping what Sabbath would become down to their roots. The atmosphere, the art, the guitar work, the lyrics. It's all top notch. No polish here and no polish necessary. An absolute metal classic.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: N.I.B.
Suede
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good pop record. I can see how it may have been considered a bit pretentious at the time (anyone who lists Morrisey as an influence runs this risk anyway), it seems to have held up well and - in context of overall 90s pop/rock - is a solid contribution.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Heroine
Ozomatli
3/5
Listened Before? N
Killer stuff! I've heard Saturday Night before but that's it. This album is awesome. Sure, it's half Spanish, but it doesn't matter. The rapping is top-notch and the other Spanish stuff is solid.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Saturday Night
The Cardigans
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good mellow 90s album. The quality of the tracks other than Lovefool is lacking, though. It's fine.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Lovefool
Hole
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Yep. Hole. Controversial only because she was the wife of Kurt Cobain and not nearly as good of a songwriter. I don't know, I have mixed feelings about the band but the songs are mostly solid here. Just a bit overpolished for a "grunge" record. Leans more pop.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Malibu
Animal Collective
2/5
Listened Before? N
Mildly interesting. Doesn't really stand out other than it's just super trippy. For experimental music it's pretty cohesive too. That's about it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: My Girls
Abdullah Ibrahim
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. I'm sure it's great. Not my cup of tea.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Mandenberg Revisited
Tito Puente
2/5
Listened Before? N
A fun Latin dance album. Didn't spend a bunch of time on this one but it was good background music.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: El Cayuco
Kelela
4/5
Listened Before? N
This was a super interesting listen. I've never heard of her before but apparently this album is well known. I see why, it's very good and a unique blend of musical styles. Really enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Frontline
Miriam Makeba
3/5
Listened Before? N
Surprisingly good. She has a great voice and the mixture of English and her native language was very nice.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Mbube
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Listened Before? N
Now THIS Zeppelin album I can get behind. It has less hits - therefore it's less overplayed on classic rock stations. I really grooved to this one as I've only heard a few of the songs before. Also, I really love Kashmir! A classic!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Kashmir
Slayer
4/5
Listened Before? Y
SLAYYYERR!!!
This is a real love it or hate it album.
Personally, I love it. I also get the gripes from other reviewers about he lack of variety of sound... you have to remember though, that this was fairly early in Slayer's careers and they did improve their variety of sound and musicianship in general from here.
I also disagree with people saying the lyrics are shallow... this band was producing music about forbidden topics at the height of the Satanic panic. At the time, the lyrics were bold and terrifying. Just because modern bands freely worship Satan or talk about their WAP on the radio doesn't diminish what Slayer was doing in the 80s.
Added to Library? It was already there so Y
Songs added to playlist: Raining Blood
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Listened Before? N
One of the greatest voices in country of all time. This album is too mellow for me but I really did like listening to her. Probably won't revisit this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bluebird Wine
Hugh Masekela
3/5
Listened Before? N
Really good trumpet jazz. I enjoyed this one for mellow background music.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Big Apple
Listened Before? N
I've heard the singles from this album so many times. It's completely overplayed.
That being said, it was an attempted return to their roots for U2, and I can respect that. Unfortunately for them, I'm one of the minority that liked their more experimental stuff on the previous two albums. Additionally, as a return to form, it falls flat. The messages so prevalent in their early works are missing here. These are just pop songs with less electronics.
Solid "meh" on this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Stuck In A Moment...
Giant Sand
2/5
Listened Before? N
I have never heard of these folks. After looking at their Spotify page I'm not surprised. Their biggest hit has only about half a million listens. Not to say this is bad, but I'm not sure what it's doing here... I didn't really dislike it, but it's very mellow and stripped down. Feels very local to the desert they are from.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Shiver
Klaxons
2/5
Listened Before? N
This one is another big hearty MEH from me. I just don't see what stands out about a lot of these early-mid 2000s british pop/dance records. I think you had to be there.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Golden Skans
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Listened Before? N
Love this guy's stuff. Especially this era. Very 80's and awesome.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: First We Take Manhattan
Nirvana
5/5
Listened Before? Y
An absolute classic, changed music forever. Not much else to say and definitely nothing that hasn't been said before.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Smells Like Teen Spirit
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
Listened Before? N
Much more mellow than I expected. Not a bad thing, but with a name like theirs not what I was preparing for. I did like their hit - Sweet Jane.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sweet Jane
Serge Gainsbourg
1/5
Listened Before? N
French. Concept Album. Must hear before I die? Lol.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ballade... whatever.
Sonic Youth
4/5
Listened Before? N
This is good stuff. I've slept on these guys for a long time - not really for any good reason. I see why they've got such a solid underground following. I really loved this album.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Dirty Boots, Kool Thing
Black Sabbath
2/5
Listened Before? N
Holy hell, I was today years old when I realized "Changes" is not a solo song by Ozzy.
I did not like this album. Supernaut is pretty good, but the rest of it feels like a solo ozzy album (and not a very good one). There's even a gimmick song here "FX" that is literally just them high and messing with sounds. Not great, one extra star for being Sabbath.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Supernaut
Billy Joel
4/5
Listened Before? Y
One of my favorite Joel albums! Lots of hits and great album tracks. A classic.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Scenes...
The Electric Prunes
2/5
Listened Before? N
Man, the author LOVES 60's acid rock. This is probably the 10th album I've gotten from this genre. I don't hate it, but sheesh.
Anyway, now that the rant is over... I don't find this album stood out much from it's contemporaries. More trippy acid rock, with psychadelic lyrics. Not bad, but not a standout.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)
The xx
3/5
Listened Before? N
Very mellow. Good chilling/background music. Very minimalistic and I like the approach of the layered male and female vocals. Beyond that, there is no standout track here and the album overall is just not memorable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Crystalised
UB40
4/5
Listened Before? N
Like most Americans, I'm only familiar with these guys from their few mid-80s radio hits. I must say, I thought they were a novelty act.... they are not. This earlier work shows that not only are they accomplished musicians and skilled Reggae artists - they were already established for many years before they jumped the pond.
I really enjoyed this groovy record.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Food For Thought
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Listened Before? N
Hell yeah! Raw and post-punky, this album has a lot to love. I will revisit this again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Hong Kong Garden
The Youngbloods
4/5
Listened Before? N
This was really great! Started out sounding like a typical piece of psychadelica, but really ramped up into something funky and wild by the end. I really grooved on the second half of this album especially.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Beautiful, Sham
LTJ Bukem
2/5
Listened Before? N
I had a friend in high school who was into stuff like this. I'm really not one for extended tracks of wordless beats, so this isn't really my cup of tea.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Senses (Because its short)
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting listen. Never thought I'd find a Bollywood soundtrack on here. It wasn't too bad. Not anything I'll just listen to, but I didn't mind it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: One Two Cha Cha Cha
Pere Ubu
3/5
Listened Before? N
A messy early punk album! I love it! Some crappy parts, and kinda died in the second half but mostly cool here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Modern Dance
Miles Davis
4/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting take by Davis. I wasn't aware that he ventured into electronic instruments, but he did here - the effect is unsurprisingly skillfully executed experimental jazz.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Pharaoh's Dance
The Fall
3/5
Listened Before? N
Cool punk album. I like.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: L.A.
Tim Buckley
3/5
Listened Before? N
More 60s Folk Rock. I don't mind it but whooo wee was there a lot going around back then. It's hard for a modern listener with a passing interest to differentiate all of it. This one didn't stand out much.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Phantasmagoria in Two
John Grant
2/5
Listened Before? N
I don't know, man... there's a lot of indie rock on this list and I don't really understand why. Its fine. Definitely didn't improve my life listening to this collection of medium to long songs. Didn't resonate with me at all.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Marz
The Everly Brothers
4/5
Listened Before? N
Great voices and a really solid album. Evokes a different time in America. My father would probably wax nostalgic over this. Unusual format, having the biggest hits buried in the middle and at the end, but hey - clearly it was a different time as I said.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Cathy's Clown, Made to Love
David Bowie
3/5
Listened Before? N
Another awesome Bowie album! Really solid, beginning to end. Also a bit of a different sound for him. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sound and Vision
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
Listened Before? N
All these alt and modern rock albums are starting to blend together here in the 700s of this list. This one didn't stand out, nor did it grate on me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Beyond Belief
Adele
3/5
Listened Before? N
I feel like I've heard most of the songs here before - not because I have, but because her song structures are so similar over the years. She has a great voice. If her hits weren't so overplayed I'd probably be infatuated - but alas they are and I'm over it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Someone Like You
Dexys Midnight Runners
4/5
Listened Before? N
What an interesting and unusual blend of traditional folk/rock sound and electronic new wave stuff - to mostly good effect. I really enjoyed this and I'm adding it to my rotation. (I may be an idiot but I still don't understand the title).
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Come On Eileen
Queen
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, what a ride! One thing this list is doing above all else is introducing me to some classic rock that I would never have found time to pick up on my own. This one would have been one that would have slipped through the cracks for sure. Unpopular on release (with critics), and regarded as one of Queen's best today, I would say I fall somewhere in the middle here. The vocals and instrumentation are top-notch but sometimes the whole thing feels a little over the top production-wise. Still a very solid album. I really loved the finale suite from Black Queen to the end. I'm going to re-listen and see if it becomes one of my favorites.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: The March Of The Black Queen
Spacemen 3
2/5
Listened Before? N
Booooooooring. Didn't like this one at all. They tried to put me to sleep with slow dragging music and 12 minute songs. This album is what I imagine a heroin high sounds like.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: So Hot
The Byrds
3/5
Listened Before? N
These guys were a great bridge between mainstream pop and psychedelic rock in the 60s. Mostly cover songs here, putting their own spin on them. I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: All I Really Wanna Do
Jungle Brothers
4/5
Listened Before? N
What a great late 80's hip-hop album! This seems to be pretty in-line with the style at the time. Maybe less serious than something like, say, Public Enemy... but the same feel in the main grooves. Subject matter is less revolutionary and more fun-loving. I really enjoyed this record.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: "U" Make Me Sweat, Doin' Our Own Dang
Paul Simon
4/5
Listened Before? N
A really great album. Knowing the backstory with Art Garfunkel, I actually am of the possibly unpopular opinion that he was correct to keep this as a solo project. I don't feel like this could have been a S&G album and kept the same feel and atmosphere.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Hearts and Bones
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
Listened Before? N
Great album. Powerful and uncompromising subject matter and beautiful voice.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Feel So Different
Sleater-Kinney
3/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting. Noisy. Chicks. Those are the three words I have for this one. It was fine. Probably needs some more polish but that would probably ruin it. Maybe the perfect hipster album?
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Heart Factory
Michael Jackson
4/5
Listened Before? Y
A pop/disco classic. Such a talent here. Amazing voice and songs.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Don't Stop Till You Get Enough
Pretenders
4/5
Listened Before? N
Very, VERY good. I'm familiar with a few of these (especially Brass in Pocket), but I hadn't heard most of it. I really like the punk-leaning songs but even the pop/rock tracks hold up very well.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Brass in Pocket
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
Listened Before? N
Another classic from The Boss! Much like Born To Run, this one is classic rockers and atmosphere from beginning to end.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Downbound Train
The Beau Brummels
3/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting, there is a ton of psychedelic rock on this list, and I'm not really sure what makes this one stand out over the others. It's good - mainly because I like the style of music - but I'm just not sure it needs to be here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Are You Happy?
k.d. lang
4/5
Listened Before? N
I've heard of her and was familiar with some of her later works. This one is pretty good - the atmosphere is good. Makes me feel like I'm hanging out in the Nevada desert in the middle of the night.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I'm Down to My Last Cigarette
Blur
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good 90's alt album. Of course, Song 2 is well known and that's about all in the US. I enjoyed the first 5 songs or so and then it started to wear on me. It's fine I guess.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Beetlebum
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. Yeah, you can rap even though you're British. You pulled it off - congrats. I don't care. Production is good and the lyrics are okay but it's a dime a dozen.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Dy-Na-Mi-Tee
Coldcut
1/5
Listened Before? N
Unavailable on Spotify.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: N/A
Kid Rock
1/5
Listened Before? Y
This one use to be a big favorite of mine back before Kid lost his fucking mind. Now I refuse to listen to it and give him money. Get lost.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: None
Steve Winwood
3/5
Listened Before?N
Pretty impressive work of 80s pop - considering he played all instruments on the entire album. Cool stuff.
Not really my style but neat anyway.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: While You See A Chance
George Harrison
3/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting solo Beatles member album here. It's very Beatles-esque. Seems like a direction the band could have gone had they continued. Sort of a hybrid of their late psychedelic work along with their early pop stuff. I found this one pretty groovy.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: What Is Life
Todd Rundgren
2/5
Listened Before? N
Todd isn't really my cup of tea. Lots happening here - I get that he's a pioneer and this is art rock but it didn't really resonate with me. Bowie-esque but not enough to get me into it. I do like the short-form songs though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Never Never Land (because it reminds me of Metallica, a band I do like).
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
Listened Before? N
I've never heard most of this but what a solid album from beginning to end! I'm sure it's considered a classic in the genre.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Three Little Birds
My Bloody Valentine
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty noisy. makes sense though - it's noise rock. I don't really groove on this but I did like it when they tried to become a bit more cohesive in some of the songs.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: When You Sleep
U2
5/5
Listened Before? Oh Yes.
"Her skin is pale like god's only dove
screams like an angel for your love
but then she makes you watch her, from above...
And you need her like a drug"
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Tryin' To Throw Your Arms Around The World
The Cramps
3/5
Listened Before? N
I learned about these guys and their scene today. Fascinating stuff. Good music too. Love the kitsch. Great.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I Was a Teenage Werewolf
U2
3/5
Listened Before? Y
U2 was just beginning to develop into the powerhouse that they would become here. While I know a lot of people prefer this early protest music style - I believe their later works to be better in almost every way. Music doesn't always have to want to change the world. Good early one from the boys.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: 40
Liz Phair
4/5
Listened Before? N
It's seriously hard to believe that this is her debut album. Very well made and well written. Very charged lyrics and apparently a scathing response to Exile on Main Street by the Stones. I really love this.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Fuck an Run
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
2/5
Listened Before? N
These goofy mofos. Musically this album is pretty good. It just feels like a giant joke - much like their other stuff I've heard. Sometimes it borders on serious before going back to it's tongue in cheek humor. I don't really like it overall.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I'm Glad
TV On The Radio
2/5
Listened Before? N
NO. Stop with the "art rock".
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Staring at the Sun
Eminem
5/5
Listened Before? N
This has GOT to be one of the most controversial albums on this list- just due to the "love or hate" it factor. Listen - some of the things Em says here are brutal, disgusting, murderous and insensitive.... that's the freaking point folks. Anyone who downrates this album because they think he's being serious is completely missing the point. This is one of the most skillfully made shock albums of all time - while also being one of the most skillfuly made rap albums of all time.
Dr. Dre is a master of his craft. Eminem is one of the best rappers (skill wise) of all time. There is no debate. If eminem trolled you into being mad about this album he did exactly what he was hoping he would.
Also - GenZ-ers and young millennials who don't remember the year 2000- you had to be there. It made lots of sense at the time.
Gram Parsons
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was interesting and had some really good songs. Hearing a young Emmylou Harris was cool, and the fusion style was cool. I'll revisit this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Return of the Grievous Angel
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good for wordless electronic stuff. I don't think I'm high enough to appreciate it. Seems kinda trippy in spots.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Nights Introlude
Air
2/5
Listened Before? N
This is fine. Pretty mellow for electronica. I didn't mind it - they're better with a vocalist - hence the choice of song added to my playlist.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: All I Need
Metallica
5/5
Listened Before? Y
One of the best hard rock/metal albums of all time and it's not particularly close. One of the most prolific metal bands of all time - in their prime with all players at the top of their games, and an awesome producer on top of that. Historically good.
Added to Library? Already There
Songs added to playlist: Enter Sandman
Gene Clark
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was an enjoyable listen. After reading a bit about it it's a real shame that it was buried by bad reviews on release. Just an example of how a hivemind mentality can totally screw things up. I'm glad its getting its due now but what a travesty that it is posthumously.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: No Other
KISS
3/5
Listened Before? N
This album is dripping with 70s sauce. I like the music for the most part - but you can feel the arrogance of a band at the top of their popularity. They almost seem like even THEY can't believe how popular they are. Overall, a good effort from the boys in KISS, but maybe not much of a "classic" outside their fanbase. I was glad to finally listen to this one though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: God of Thunder
Spiritualized
3/5
Listened Before? N
Spacey! This album is exactly what I expected when I read that it's "space rock". Not really my thing - too droning. I'm not on enough drugs for this.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Come Together
Derek & The Dominos
1/5
Listened Before? N
Fuck Eric Clapton.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: None because fuck clapton.
Robert Wyatt
2/5
Listened Before: N
I really didn't like this much. Yeah, it's prog rock ish but the songs are just so long and rambling (and not in a good way). I can't get into it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Heaps of Sheeps
Mj Cole
2/5
Listened Before? N
More British electronic stuff. It's okay. Not really my thing.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Crazy Love
Soft Cell
4/5
Listened Before? N
I'm really not much of a fan of Tainted Love mainly because it was so overplayed over the years... that being said- the rest of this album is pretty awesome! Sex Dwarf is a freaking hilarious classic.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sex Dwarf
Cypress Hill
3/5
Listened Before? N
I know of these guys from their later work. They're consistent. Not really 100% my thing but I didn't hate it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: How Could I Just Kill A Man
Brian Eno
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty mellow for the most part. Seems like a good sleeping album. Didn't hate it but didn't really register with me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: By This River
Def Leppard
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This album is a hard rock classic. That's all there is to it. The writing, production, energy and performance are top-notch. Makes me want to just stick a fist in the air and crank it up!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Rock Rock (till you drop)
The Stone Roses
2/5
Listened Before? N
Not too bad... just kind of droning and same-y from song to song. I don't really get it, but apparently millions of people do judging by their Spotify numbers. Fool's Gold was a nice change of pace at the end but... its NINE minutes long. ugh. Oh well.
Added to library? N
Songs added to playlist: Waterfall
Slade
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. I don't get what makes this a must listen. Just seems like another rock album. Nothing really stood out to me here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Gudbuy T'Jane
The Beta Band
2/5
Listened Before? N
Very bland and non-descript. Not sure what this is doing on the list.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Troubles
Sonic Youth
3/5
Listened Before? N
This is certainly a polarizing album if you read the reviews. Many think it's a masterpiece - and just as many think it's absolute garbage. I'm going to be a coward and come down in the middle of these two extremes. I really didn't hate or love this one. It does have a nostalgic feel - and it's more cohesive than some of their other work - but it wanders aimlessly at times. All in all an okay listen, it just sounds like something edgy 90s high school kids would listen to... and it is!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sugar Kane
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
Listened Before? N
As the Beasties said: OH MY GOD THATS THE FUNKY SHIT!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Message
Billy Bragg
4/5
Listened Before? N
Awesome! Great messages and a lot of fun mixing punk ideologies with folky/poppy music. I am digging this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Help Save the Youth of America
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
1/5
Listened Before? N
Hopefully I'll never listen to this again. Wailing, noisy, overtly sexual trash. I'd say it's a product of it's time but it does a terrible job capturing the 70s too. Whatever.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Gang Bang (because fuck it at this point)
Hole
3/5
Listened Before? Y
I had this one back in the day. I liked it, but always wished it was a different album when I was listening - i.e. I wished I was listening to Nirvana or Soundgarden or L7... It's okay. It has aged fairly well but nothing I need to hear with any regularity.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Violet
Neil Young
4/5
Listened Before? N
He has such an awesome voice. Old or young, he sounds the same. This is NY in his prime and it aged perfectly. Not as protest-y as some of his earlier stuff is my only gripe but I still really liked it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Revolution Blues
Jean-Michel Jarre
4/5
Listened Before? N
I set aside my eye-roll when yet another electronica album showed up and listened to this one fairly well. I really dug this. It's so much more complex and creative than most modern electronic stuff. Highly recommended.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Oxygene Pt. 4
Ryan Adams
3/5
Listened Before? N
Really good album. I understand he's a POS but musically this is very good.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: None so he doesn't get money.
Stephen Stills
4/5
Listened Before? N
As soon as this record finishes with "Love the One You're With", it takes off on an amazing journey through rock and blues. So many great jams and face-melting solos here. I loved it!
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: Go Back Home
Marilyn Manson
1/5
Listened Before? Y
Edgelord on display. This one didn't age well. Nobody cares anymore.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: None
Incubus
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This was a staple of my early 2000s CD player. I love this album and it seems to have held up pretty well. Nice vocals and guitar-driven music.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Stellar
Björk
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Ah yes, Bjork. Such a unique artist (especially in her time) - I feel like I need to be really stoned to appreciate her work, but it's still nice to listen to. This one was very well done and polished and I enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Hidden Place
Elis Regina
1/5
Listened Before? N
What in the... obscure, foreign, unavailable stuff is this? No thanks.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Can't because its unavailable.
Peter Gabriel
5/5
Listened Before? N
An absolute 80s classic. A perfect blend of pop, new wave keyboards, and glam - this is one of the best albums of that decade for sure and probably the previous two as well.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Red Rain
The Who
4/5
Listened Before? N
A big influence of an entire generation of music. Sixties rock in the vein of the Beatles or Stones. I liked it alright.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: My Generation
Van Morrison
3/5
Listened Before? N
This one is not bad. Kind of drags on a bit toward the end. It's very mellow and same-y.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Astral Weeks
The Undertones
2/5
Listened Before? N
Did we really need MULTIPLE Undertones records on this list? I think not. This one is basically the same as their first one. Stuttery post-punk with goofy lyrics. Meh.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: My Perfect Cousin
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
3/5
Listened Before? N
I don't know who most of these dudes are even though this is a British "supergroup". The record was fine, but I think the clout of the musicians adds something to it that I missed.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: History Song
The Temptations
3/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting sound from the Temptations and a piece of their history I was unaware of. Not really my style of music but still interesting.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Cloud Nine
ABBA
4/5
Listened Before? N
ABBA is a whole vibe. This album may be their best and it's packed with bangers. Highly enjoyable bubblegum/disco stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Fernando
Meat Puppets
4/5
Listened Before? N
These guys were relatively unknown until Nirvana invited them to participate in "Unplugged" and it shows - the 4 songs they played at that concert with Nirvana are light years ahead in streams on Spotify.
That being said - Nirvana was right to give them exposure. These dudes created some great guitar-driven music in the 80s, with unique themes and sounds. I really enjoyed this whole album and will probably revisit it many times.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Plateau
Gillian Welch
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty decent alt-country. Didn't really stand out much and a lot of the songs felt same-y to me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Everything Is Free
Ali Farka Touré
2/5
Listened Before? N
Weird stuff. Interesting fusion but not really my thing.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Savane
Neil Young
5/5
Listened Before? Y
This is, of course, and absolute classic to anyone who is into his voice and music. Probably NY's masterpiece, it's perfectly paced and his voice and lyrics are strong and meaningful. I like every song.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Alabama
The Mars Volta
3/5
Listened Before? N
Ever wonder what drugs sound like? This is it. Not that it's totally a bad thing but holy hell... this album is all over the place and the lyrics are pure madman ravings. Burnout in musical form. It was fine.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Roulette Dares
CHVRCHES
2/5
Listened Before? N
I was only familiar with "The Mother We Share" before listening to this album. That particular song is a maddening earworm. Nothing wrong with that, but I was over it a long time ago. The rest of the record feels like New Order if they were upbeat... lots of busy, bright beats. Too many, in fact. It got really old, really quickly. I see why many would like this record, but being a child of the 80s, it missed the mark with me. Too many better things to listen to.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Science/Visions
John Prine
5/5
Listened Before? N
Amazing! Humor mixed with social commentary and protest songs. I loved this.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore
The Stooges
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty cool 70s glam rock.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Search and Destroy
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. Standard CCR stuff. I like the lead single more than almost all of the rest.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Born On The Bayou
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
4/5
Listened Before? N
OMD! Love these guys and this is a good one. A little less refined than some of their later work but I really enjoy all of their stuff. Good one.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Souvenir
Basement Jaxx
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty okay for a late 90's dance album. Not saying much there but it could've been worse I guess? Very cliche' and repetitive. Not my cup of tea mostly.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Red Alert
2/5
Listened Before? N
I'm usually a fan of prog rock, especially older stuff, but this one didn't resonate with me much. I don't like the 3 song format, and I don't really like the musical style. It's skillfully made, it's just not for me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: And You and I
Yes
3/5
Listened Before? N
Two Yes albums in a row? Meh. This one was better than the other one but I still didn't really love it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Starship Trooper...
Amy Winehouse
4/5
Listned Before? N
This was very good. She was very talented and a tragic story. Enjoyable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Fuck Me Pumps
Suzanne Vega
3/5
Listened Before? N
A pretty decent debut folk album. Good storytelling. Not bad but I'm not sure why it's a must hear.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Marlene On The Wall
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
3/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting story, and fairly tragic. The music is very creative. A tortured artist story.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Little Hands
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
Listened Before? N
Really good stuff, even for an accomplished guy like Neil Young. I really love this album and I'll revisit it many times. Records like this are why I am doing this project.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to Playlist: Down By the River
Oasis
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This was in my collection back in the day. I prefer this to their second record overall since they were more grungy and kept it more upbeat. That being said, Oasis is no longer on my radar. It's a well-made record but they're just not my style anymore.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Live Forever
Brian Eno
3/5
Listened Before? N
This is great.... for sleeping. I would seriously put this on to sleep. Good stuff but not on a Wednesday morning.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: 2/1
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
2/5
Listened Before? N
Yep. Spanish language music with horns. Ok.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Pedro Navaja
The Specials
5/5
Listened Before? N
Absolutely killer. These guys were way ahead of their time. Ska before ska. They had fun doing it, and I had fun listening to it. Amazing.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: A Message to You Rudy
The Monkees
3/5
Listened Before? N
Well, it's the Monkees... they're kinda silly but the music is okay.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: You Just May Be The One
Siouxsie And The Banshees
4/5
Listened Before? N
Highly enjoyable 80s punk/pop/new wave stuff. Going to revisit this one later.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Spellbound
Christine and the Queens
2/5
Listened Before? N
Well, I don't speak French, so I needed to listen to the English version of this album and I gotta say.... I don't think he has a complete grasp on the language... or it just doesn't translate very well. Either way, the music is enjoyable but the lyrics make no sense in many places. Too bad.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Comme si
The Zutons
4/5
Listened Before? N
What an awesome indie record! Totally unexpected and this is why I do this list. To find hidden gems. The only minus is that the band name, and thus the album name, are terrible. But hey, I can get over that. I'll definitely listen to this again.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Remember Me
PJ Harvey
4/5
Listened Before? N
Powerful album. Hard hitting and lyrically very solid. Some of it sounds like Tori Amos, some of it sounds like Nirvana with better lyrics.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sheela-Na-Gig
The Cars
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This is a classic already in my collection. I really love most of the songs on the album although there is a good drop off between the big hits and the album cuts here. It's a solid late-70s new wave record.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Moving in Stereo
Duke Ellington
4/5
Listened Before? N
Another classic jazz album! Much like the others on this list it's new to me and I really dig it. Just need to be in the right mood.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Tea For Two
Wilco
3/5
Listened Before? N
Hm.. This is just another 00's "indie" record. Not really my cup of tea, although this one is fairly unobtrusive. It was okay.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Heavy Metal Drummer
Anthrax
4/5
Listened Before? Y
FUCKING ROCK ON!!! This album is a thrash metal classic and one of the big four at their prime. What's not to love? Maybe some of the themes, but I don't care. This one is full-out balls-to-the-wall metal from beginning to end. Awesome!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Caught In A Mosh, N.F.L.
Amy Winehouse
5/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, this album is miles beyond her debut. What a great sound and what a concept. Classic music with modern lyrics - amazing. I'm glad I heard "Frank" first so that I could see the progression. Every song is strong here with the possible exception of "Just Friends" and " Addicted", although I tend to blame the production more than the actual songs.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: You Know I'm No Good
Joanna Newsom
3/5
Listened Before? N
Seems interesting reading the description but it is unavailable on Spotify so I'm just giving it a 3.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: None because I can't
Charles Mingus
2/5
Listened Before? N
Ehhhhhh.... I'm sure it's a masterpiece but I didn't listen to much of it. I'm getting kind of burnt on experimental jazz doing this list.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Track A
Bob Dylan
4/5
Listened Before? N
Dylan. It was good. Some of his best.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Like a Rolling Stone
Morrissey
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. Morrisey. Don't care.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: None
5/5
Listened Before: Y
This is the beginning of the era of U2 that I really enjoy. From this one through Pop. I'm a big fan of the lesser-known second half tracks here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bullet the Blue Sky
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. Another Oasis clone. Not sure why this is here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: (Drawing) Rings Around the World
Bonnie Raitt
2/5
Listened Before? N
Listen, I had a crush on Bonnie Raitt when I was like... 11. Mainly the red hair and cleavage. Anywho... this record was truly a snooze fest. All soft synth and sleepy lyrics. I'm sure it's someone's cup of tea, just not mine.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Nick of Time
David Bowie
4/5
Listened Before? N
Another good one from Bowie. I'm going to pretend like this isn't the 6th album of his on this list because it's getting a little silly. I get that the author is a huge fan, and so am I... but I don't think we needed this many of his albums on the list.
Independent of that - this is a great album that's only a "good" album by Bowie standards. If it were anyone else it would likely be their masterpiece - but for him - it falls somewhere in the lower end.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Stars
Goldfrapp
3/5
Listened Before? N
It's a good album. Goldfrapp is a cool project. This is their third album on this list. That is not necessary or wanted. Sleepy electronic music to nap to.
Added to Library: N
Songs added to playlist: Lovely Head
4/5
Listened Before? N
Kick ass album. Raw energy and attitude. Drugs and alcohol, sex and revolution!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Kick Out the Jams
Antony and the Johnsons
5/5
Listened Before? N
What an amazing surprise! Beautiful music and voices here, and razor-sharp lyrics. Timeless feeling. I will revisit this.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Hope There's Someone
Ice Cube
5/5
Listened Before? N
I mean, its Ice Cube. It's a classic. I really miss 80s/early 90s rap. I wish someone would revitalize this style.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist:
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
4/5
Listened Before? N
This is an interesting one. I was not expecting the cover songs but overall they did a pretty good job with them. Another enjoyable 80s album.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Relax
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Listened Before? N
A really good album. I preferred "Born to Run" but I dug this one too. Some of the songs drag a bit, and there's not as much radio friendly stuff. Great title, too.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Racing in the Street
American Music Club
1/5
Unavailable on spotify.
Le Tigre
4/5
Listened Before? N
What an interesting and fun record! Never heard of them before but this album is awesome. Pretty much a punk record at heart, the vocals are striking and the lyrics are sharp.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Deceptacon
Boston
5/5
Listened Before? Y
One of the best front-to-back pop rock albums of all time. It's a classic of its genre, and most americans know at least one song on this record.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Rock & Roll Band
Talking Heads
4/5
Listened Before? N
This is another great TH album. Lots of fun play with sound and words. Good stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Once in a Lifetime
The Flying Burrito Brothers
3/5
Listened Before? N
Great band, funny name. This album was a complete unknown to me. I really enjoyed the country rock style.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Sin City
Love
3/5
Listened Before? N
Lots of psychedelic stuff on this list. I'm not complaining but I AM surprised. This one was not as good as some others, but better than others. I liked the really long jam sesh at the end, and Orange Skies is a banger.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Orange Skies
John Cale
2/5
Listened Before? N
This reminded me of the Beatles later stuff and the Beach Boys. It was okay, but I'll stick to the bigger acts. It was easy to listen to, but just not all that unique - especially by the time it was released in the 70's. Not sure why I needed to hear it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Paris 1919
Missy Elliott
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh, not really my cup of tea. The list of collaborators on this album is impressive, but somehow none of them really did anything for me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Work It
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Listened Before: N
This album was a strange one. There's a decent amount of good songs here - but the ones in between are terrible. Slow and boring. I can't believe the same album that contains a banger like Mercy Mercy Me contains a song like Right On. Rating this one a 4 for the good songs and a 2 for the bad. Averages out to a 3 I suppose.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: What's Going On
Tom Tom Club
4/5
Listened Before? N
What a cool and polished new-wave album. I was unaware of the spinoff from TH until now, these guys were a pleasant surprise.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Genius of Love
M.I.A.
2/5
Listened Before? N
It was fine. I really like Paper Planes - the rest was meh. Kind of a one hit wonder.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Paper Planes
Megadeth
5/5
Listened Before? Y
One of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time. Dave and the gang caught lighting in a bottle here. They were still edgy enough to be unafraid of themes of apocalypse and demons (as they were in later years), and disciplined enough to make it more coherent than the frantic stuff slayer (no hate) was releasing at the time.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Tornado of Souls
Destiny's Child
3/5
Listened Before? N
The bangers on this album really bang. The rest feels like filler. I recognize it's importance in pop though and I didn't hate listening to it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bootylicious
Booker T. & The MG's
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was really good as far a full instrumental rock albums go.... and I can't think of even one other - so I guess that's open to interpretation. Anyway, Not bad.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Green Onions
Jerry Lee Lewis
2/5
Listened Before? N
Really intense and powerful rock n roll performance record here... but this dude was such a piece of crap that I can't rate it highly.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Money
Brian Eno
4/5
Listened Before? N
I'm curious why this album is listed as only being by Brian Eno when David Byrne is just as heavily credited. Anyway, I found this really interesting. An album made almost completely of samples. Rap producers do this a lot these days, and I'm going to call this influential to that style of production. I really enjoyed it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Regiment
The Magnetic Fields
1/5
Listened Before? N
I'm sorry, I'm not interested in a 3-hour album with nearly 70 songs on it. Especially by a pretentious indie band. I listened to part of it but I'm not spending most of my day on this. What I heard of it was lots of mumbling and minimalist recording. No thanks.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I Don't Want to Get Over You
Ananda Shankar
3/5
Listened Before? N
Trippy, man! Trying to cash in on the sitar craze of the 60s. I approve! I'm surprised they got some of the song rights they did (Light My Fire in particular). The version of Jumpin' Jack Flash instantly became my favorite. The rest of the album is very listenable but I can only do so much sitar.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Jumpin' Jack Flash
Leftfield
3/5
Listened Before? N
Usually house music isn't really my thing, but this was less repetitive and more cohesive than most I've heard. It was a decent listen. Plus - who doesn't love some Johnny Rotten?
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Open Up
Merle Haggard
2/5
Listened Before? N
Classic country. Not much to say here... one big hit and the rest is just sort of normal 60's country western stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I'm A Lonesome Fugitive
The Icarus Line
4/5
Listened Before? N
Well, this is telling something about my musical tastes but I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this album. Raw and brutal. Reminds me of early Nirvana. Absolutely killer.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Kiss Like Lizards
Underworld
2/5
Listened Before? N
Nope. This is not my thing.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Rowla
Morrissey
3/5
Listened Before? N
I'm starting to think Morrisey is the guy that half the 80s music fans think is the top of the mountain and the other half think is absolute trash. I fall somewhere in the middle. I think a lot of his vocalizations are unnecessary and annoying - but at the same time the music is overall pretty decent. He always gets minus one star for being a massive chode though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Suedehead
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Listened Before? N
Good album. I haven't spent much time with early Stones work and this one is a good intro. I enjoyed it, especially the hit Under My Thumb.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Under My Thumb
Neneh Cherry
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good late 80's/early 90's dance album. Buffalo Stance is an absolute classic. The rest is pretty standard stuff. Nothing groundbreaking but a good listen if you're into the style.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Buffalo Stance
The Human League
4/5
Listened Before? N
The Human League is awesome! This album is no exception although its a bit unusual in it's arrangement - with their big US hit sitting at the end of the album. I really liked this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Don't You Want Me
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, this is a really solid album. I much prefer this to Zeppelin II, and it is nearly as good as IV. LOVE Since I've Been Loving You. New favorite zep song for now. All-around good sound - lots of bluesy stuff mixed with actual hard rocking songs. A+
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Since I've Been Loving You
David Holmes
3/5
Listened Before? N
Very interesting concept here. The snippets of recorded dialogue kept me interested enough to listen to the whole thing, and it was pretty enjoyable. Some songs drag a bit but that's normal with this genre.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: My Mate Paul
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Listened Before? N
Another banger by the Stones. Loved the slower bluesy/country sound here. I could listen to this all day. Close to a perfect blues rock album.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Country Honk
Hot Chip
2/5
Listened Before? N
The sheer amount of 2000 and later British electronic music on this list is uncalled for. That being said, this one isn't terrible. At least the songs are (mostly) reasonably short and have coherent lyrics. Not sure why it belongs here though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Don't Deny Your Heart
Fun Lovin' Criminals
4/5
Listened Before? N
Really cool and smooth 90's rap/rock album. Laid back and sexy. Loved it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Fun Lovin' Criminal
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
Listened Before? N
These guys absolutely nailed the early-90s indie aesthetic with this one. I see why Michael Stipe was so jazzed about it - it basically inspired Monster a few years later. Personally, I enjoyed it but wouldn't rank it in the top albums of the decade.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Fuzzy
Tom Waits
2/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, this list creator REALLY LOVES Tom Waits. TW is fine sometimes, but this is overkill. He kind of reminds me of Frank Zappa in that it's either you absolutely love him or you hate him. This album drones on and on and on. Not a fan.
Added To Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Heartattack and Vine
2/5
Listened Before? N
Never even heard of these guys. It just feels like more drug-fueled early 70s stuff. Not sure why it's here. Maybe just not really my thing today.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Nature's Way
The The
2/5
Listened Before? N
I have found other albums by these guys pretty enjoyable but this one just didn't resonate with me. Pretty unmemorable but nothing offensive to the ears.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Heartland
Culture Club
4/5
Listened Before? N
Great new wave album. Everyone knows Karma Chameleon but the deep cuts here are fantastic as well.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Karma Chameleon
Kanye West
1/5
Listened Before: N
Nope. Won't listen to him.
Added to library? N
No songs added.
James Brown
3/5
Listened Before? N
FUNKY! Love James Brown. This was early JB, and he wasn't quite as wild as he was in the 70s but still great stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I'll Go Crazy
Wu-Tang Clan
5/5
Listened Before? Y
An absolute scorcher. One of the best rap albums of all time by one of the best ensembles of all time. Amazing.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: CREAM
Girls Against Boys
3/5
Listened Before? N
A pretty decent alt rock album. Nothing that stood out too much here but I didn't hate it. Could listen to this one again.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bullet Proof Cupid
Dirty Projectors
3/5
Listened Before? N
Sorta a unique sound here. Almost acapella in places. Lots of voices contributing. I liked this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Stillness Is The Move
Femi Kuti
2/5
Listened Before? N
Sorry, didn't listen to this for long. Not my cup of tea. Seems well put together though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Wonder Wonder
Pet Shop Boys
3/5
Listened Before: Y
One of my favorite 80s bands, not one of my favorite albums by them. Still a solid 3 star effort.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Go West
The KLF
4/5
Listened Before: Y
I had this back in the day! I was obsessed with 3AM Eternal when I was 13. What an awesome album. The vibe is unmatched still to this day. Love it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: 3AM Eternal
Mekons
2/5
Listened Before? N
It was okay. Not sure I needed to hear this but it didn't completely suck.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Hard to Be Human Again
The Adverts
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, never heard of these guys before! Great early punk rock with lots of similarities to the Sex Pistols... similar themes and music. Love it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Gary Gilmore's Eyes
Ramones
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Good stuff. Classic American punk rock mixed with retro 60's style pop themes. The album stalls out a bit in the middle but starts and finishes strong. Awesome.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend
The Incredible String Band
2/5
Listened Before? N
Weird, but interesting. I love the concepts here, but I'm not high enough for this.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Witches Hat
Leonard Cohen
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was better than his other stuff. Before he got TOO weird. There's still some weirdness here but not to the level of his later albums. I didn't hate this one - but I'm not sure we needed of his albums on this list. This is may fave though.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye
Joe Ely
4/5
Listened Before? N
Now THIS is why I'm doing this project. This is a hidden gem. A really great throwback country-rock album. Ranging from poppy hooks to storytelling epics, this one has it all.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Boxcars, Fingernails
Doves
2/5
Listened Before? N
It's very obvious that the creator of this list is heavily into early-2000s indie rock. This must be the 30th album in the genre I've encountered here. This one sounds just like the rest. Nothing stands out here other than the ridiculous length of some of the songs.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: M62 Song
Bee Gees
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good. You can feel them getting closer to their later disco sound here, but this is a solid psychadelic-ish work. Didn't hate it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Melody Fair
The Kinks
3/5
Listened Before? N
This album is another mid-60's British pop/psychadelic work. It's fine. Very similar to others of the time.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Waterloo Sunset
John Martyn
4/5
Listened Before? N
This was a really good folk album. I enjoyed it quite a bit with some of the darker themes running through some of the songs not typical of the genre.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Over The Hill
Orbital
2/5
Listened Before? N
I'm sorry, I'm sure this is considered a classic but I found it boring. Such repetitive beats and samples I just couldn't get into it. It was starting to give me a headache by the end.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Quality Seconds
Pavement
3/5
Listened Before? N
Another Pavement album, another shoegaze/alt rock 90s soiree. It was pretty good.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist? Zurich Is Stained
Röyksopp
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, this was really great. I think one thing this list has showed me is that I much prefer mellow, ethereal electronic music with live vocals over high-energy, sample-heavy stuff. So great.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Eple
The Monks
1/5
Listened Before? N
Unavailable on Spotify
Bee Gees
3/5
Listened Before? N
I feel like for me, this is the Bee Gees at the top of their game. Not disco yet, not too much falsetto... just good music. I really liked this one - my favorite Bee Jees album so far - it drags a bit at the end, but hey, still a solid effort overall.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
3/5
Listened Before? N
PUNK ROCK! Rock on! Loved this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I'm Coming Over
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Used to have this one in the 90s. Pretty good but too long and overrated in my opinion. There are some scorchers on Disc 1, and it kinda putters out in places but overall decent.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Thirty-Three
James Taylor
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This one is an old staple of mine. A really good minimalist folk record, and the title track, Fire and Rain, and Country Road are classics. But my sleeper is Steamroller Blues!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Steamroller Blues
Big Black
2/5
Listened Before? N
"One of the best albums of the 80's", huh Wikipedia? Imma need a source on that lol. This is not anyting special. Just a lot of noise and yelling.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to palylist: Kerosene
Metallica
5/5
Listened Before? Y
Possibly the greatest thrash metal (and metal in general) album of all time. It is certainly in my top 3. Pure precision and aggression from beginning to end. Perfect.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Master of Puppets
Dion
3/5
Listened Before? N
Not as terrible as I had assumed just by the description and the cover. Typical seventies easy-listeneing stuff. Not a standout but still some good songs here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: (He's Got) The Whole World in His Hands
G. Love & Special Sauce
4/5
Listened Before? N
I've heard of these dudes but never listened. This was a cool laid-back nostalgia trip. I really enjoyed it. I see why it was popular with college kids in the 90s. There probably wasn't anything else like it. Cold Beverage rules.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Cold Beverage
Yes
4/5
Listened Before? N
Epic prog album. Loved it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Roundabout
Peter Gabriel
3/5
Listened Before? N
This one was pretty dynamic. Lots of unique rhythms and Gabriel's multi-layered musical style blended well with the early-80's themes of excess, war, and international politics.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Games Without Frontiers
The Specials
2/5
Listened Before? N
Yep, it's the Specials. Pretty good but not as good as their first one. I could hear some progression here but I think I liked them more raw. Anyway...
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Enjoy Yourself
The Velvet Underground
1/5
Listened Before? N
What a pile of pretentious garbage. Apparently they fired Andy Warhol before they recorded this one.... I hate Andy Warhol - but he would have improved this record. What a noisy turd. My first TRUE one star rating.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Here She Comes Now (because it was short and the only song that had any coherence to it).
808 State
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty atmospheric electronica. Still not really my thing. I did like the popular track "Pacific 202".
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Pacific 202
Ute Lemper
3/5
Listened Before? N
This one was pretty good. Theatrical and well composed.. You can really hear Nick Cave's influence here as it could honestly be one of his more recent albums.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Little Water Song
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Listened Before? N
WOW! This one was great! Feels like Neil had hit his stride as a solo artist here. There's a huge variety of sounds from folk to punk. I really loved this one.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue), Thrasher
Pet Shop Boys
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Classic PSB. These guys have never looked back since the 80s. This is one of their best early albums. Not much else to say.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: What Have I Done To Deserve This?
Elton John
4/5
Listnened Before? N
Never heard this one all the way through but I like all the songs in between the big hits. It's honestly pretty gritty lyrically - also pretty funny. Really dug it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Queen Latifah
3/5
Listened Before? N
This is a time capsule. Great late-80s/early 90s rap album that wasn't quite as violent and edgy as some of her contemporaries. This makes is more accessible to the average listener - but with the themes of women's and African American empowerment shining through still. Good album.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ladies First
Alice In Chains
4/5
Listened Before? Y
When I think of grunge, I think of AIC. This is the grungiest of albums by the grungiest of bands. Well made, and delivered what we all wanted in the 90s. Shame about Lane, but unfortunately he was a tortured soul.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Angry Chair
Nick Drake
2/5
Listened Before? N
Kinda sleepy stuff. Like Simon and Garfunkel but not as talented. It was okay. Some songs way too long.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: River Man
Meat Loaf
4/5
Listened Before: Y
Just a plain-old well made rock album. I'm no stranger to this one, and I always enjoy a listen. A blast from the past.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: You Took The Words Right Out of My Mouth
Drive-By Truckers
3/5
Listened Before? N
Man, this thing started out so strong! The entirety of Disc 1 was really getting me. I like the mixture of humor, history, and country-rock. That being said.... this is WAY too long (as many others have said). Disc 2 should have been a different album, or never released.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ronnie And Neil
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pioneering noise-rock record. Dripping with sludgy sounds. Enjoyed it, but couldn't listen every day.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Just Like Honey
3/5
Listened Before? N
Not sure why this is described as "Britpop". It seemed rather hard-rocking for that classification. Anyway, I actually enjoyed this one for a while - then it started to wear on me. I think maybe an hour was just a bit self-indulgent for the boys but I won't begrudge them too much.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: For Tomorrow
Eels
2/5
Listened Before? N
This seems like one of those "love it or hate it" albums. The music itself is decent, but the weird art on the cover and strange themes throughout just kind of didn't do it for me.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Novocaine For The Soul
New Order
4/5
Listened Before? N
This is an interesting work from NO. I've never heard anything from this one before, and I liked most of it, but I kind of agree with another reviewer that they were sort of all over the place. It's like half radio-friendly pop and half hardcore acid dance stuff. Either way, it's well executed and produced.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Round and Round
The Offspring
5/5
Listened Before? N
Ah yes, when the punks went pop. The offspring are seriously punk rock and seriously smart. They bled WAY over into the mainstream on this one and it's probably one of the biggest records of the 90s. It tears serious ass for over 45 minutes with almost no slowdowns. Riff after riff, song after song.... even the wild bassline from Come Out and Play. Killer stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist:
Nas
4/5
Listened Before? N
Ah yes, the famous Illmatic. Seems like every list of top rap albums have this sitting up near the top. Seems that (like myself) many reviewers have not paid much attention to Nas overall, and this album is my first extened exposure as well. The beats and the flows are awesome, and you can feel the grime and desperation of poverty in NYC in the music. This is a good one.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: The World Is Yours
Jorge Ben Jor
3/5
Listened Before? N
This was unexpected! A very rockin' world-music album. I guess according to Wiki it's considered Samba Funk or Samba Rock. Whatever it is, I found it charming and groovy.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Ponta De Lanca Africano
Peter Frampton
3/5
Listened Before? N
Live 70's rock! Pretty good. Lots of nice guitar work here, and pretty genuinely live sounding. I like that a lot of this was recorded at Winterland (RIP) - the place had a unique sound. Frampton is far from my favorite but I do like the energy both from him and the crowds here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Doobie Wah
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
1/5
Listened Before? N
This appears to be unavailable.
Couldn't listen
Black Flag
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Good hardcore punk. Not for everyone, but I appreciate it. Quick and hard-hitting songs with yelled vocals. Influential since it was released.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Rise Above
Roxy Music
3/5
Listened Before? N
Really broad early-70s rock album. This thing ranges all over the map from post-punk to pop to new wave. I really liked the second half better with it's slower, more thoughtful songs. Apparently this list has 3 albums by RM on it, and this is my first one at 969 so I guess I better get ready to hear a bunch of these guys in the next 6 moths or so. Could be worse!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: 2HB
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
Listened Before? N
More Nick Cave. I hadn't heard much of him before this list but I've liked most of what has been included.... this is no exception, but it doesn't really stand out from the rest. Solid effort but not memorable personally.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Get Ready For Love
Arcade Fire
3/5
Listened Before? N
I didn't hate this as much as some of the other reviewers... but I found it pretty unremarkable. It just sort of doesn't have much that stands out. I listen to it and I go "yep, that's 2000s indie rock'. Someone said it was like U2 without the meaningful lyrics, and I think I agree.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: No Cars Go
Cornershop
3/5
Listened Before? N
I have a soft spot for this album. Brimful of Asha is a super interesting song.. but the rest of it is well done and unlike most other music. Perfect fusion of many different styles.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Brimful of Asha
Gary Numan
3/5
Listened Before? N
I love "Cars". Every song on this album is very close to sounding just like "Cars". That's a double-edged sword. It starts out great and then gets old.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Cars
Stephen Stills
3/5
Listened Before? N
Good album. Nice mix of different sounds, and I really like that it's mostly gapless - makes it feel like a performance. It was pretty long, but good enough that I didn't notice.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist:
The White Stripes
2/5
Listened Before? N
IDK man, this one didn't really do it for me like the other WS albums. I think it's just getting kind of old at this point, and I miss the guitars.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: My Doorbell
Jane's Addiction
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This album was too cool for me when it came out. All the cool kids loved it... I never listened to it back then! I was too busy with Metallica (not really a problem, just saying). Anyway, it's the second best album of 1988 (behind AJFA).
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Mountain Song
Super Furry Animals
2/5
Listened Before? N
What a weird and noisy album. I didn't hate it, but it's all over the map. I really enjoyed Something 4 the Weekend over every other song by far.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Something 4 the Weekend
Rufus Wainwright
4/5
Listened Before? N
I've heard of the artist, but his music never crossed my radar until now. I hope this is representative of his whole catalog because I really liked this album. It was easy to listen to, and the range of styles from folk-ish to big avant-garde pop sounds was intriguing. It was maybe a touch too long at nearly an hour, but that's forgivable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Oh What A World
Ride
2/5
Listened Before? N
This felt like 80s alternative without the spirit or feeling. I guess that's sort of just shoegaze for you, but I don't think I (or anyone) needed to hear this before we die. Taste was a nice "upbeat" change of pace.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Taste
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
3/5
Listened Before? N
A neat portrait of a moment in folk time... obviously very influential to Dylan and others. Good stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: San Francisco Bay Blues
Ash
4/5
Listened Before? N
This oozes mid-90s post-grunge and post-punk sounds. Most of the songs are about women, which is fine by me. I actually liked this one a lot and found it somewhat of a hidden gem.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Oh Yeah
Public Image Ltd.
1/5
Not Available on Spotify.
Listened Before? N
Faces were really something else. This was a scorcher of a 70s rock album. It's no wonder Rod Stewart was considered such a star. I am also not surprised he went on to have such a successful career of his own. This is great stuff.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Stay With Me
The Hives
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh. So much of this early-2000s stuff didn't hold up. Too hipster for their own good. I'm good.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Main Offender
Rush
4/5
Listened Before? N
So, this is a progressive rock masterpiece. Everyone who knows rock music knows that. My only personal issue with this album is being burnt out on Tom Sawyer. It's still a good song though, and the rest makes up for it.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: The Camera Eye
Astor Piazzolla
2/5
Listened Before? N
Tango... an interesting choice for this list. I didn't hate it, but it evoked memories of easy-listening stations my mother would put on in the 80s... or literal elevator music. Not really my thing. It IS impressive that it was recorded live.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Nuevo Tango
The Saints
2/5
Listened Before? N
Eh. It was fine. Australian guys trying to sound like Sex Pistols with horns. Not memorable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Know Your Product
Traffic
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good jam-bandy stuff. I like his voice.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Empty Pages
Talk Talk
4/5
Listened Before? N
This is a real gem! I like TalkTalk's earlier work - this feels more mature and complex. There's less synth stuff here, although I'm not sure it matters much. This dude's voice was MADE for 80s pop. Love it.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Living in Another World
The Residents
2/5
Listened Before? N
I went in to this thinking it was going to be another "art rock" project that I would hate. Turns out, it's maybe the only one on this list that has at least partially entertained me. It's not "good" but it is fun... and I admire the group's commitment to the bit over several decades.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: The Booker Tease
Fairport Convention
3/5
Listened Before? N
This one had the potential to be just another 60s folk/psychedelic album... it is not. Mostly because of the singer's voice. Another tragic story with her, but she left us some awesome music.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Matty Groves
Everything But The Girl
4/5
Listened Before? N
These guys kick ass! Love the lo-fi style beats with her silky voice over the top. Good love makin' music!
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Wrong
Genesis
4/5
Listened Before? N
This is a really solid prog album. I will spend some more time with it in the future, but at first listen it's top-notch. Just about what I expect from a big band like Genesis in their prime.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Firth of Fifth
Minor Threat
5/5
Listened Before? Y
I'll keep this short like the songs on the record: Absolutely iconic and influential, just like everything else by the band. Classic and probably perfect hardcore punk.
Added to Library: Y
Songs added to playlist: Betray
The Bees
2/5
Listened Before? N
Man, this is super lame. This list has WAY too many British one-hit-wonders on it. Nobody needs to hear this before they die.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Punchbag
Haircut 100
5/5
Listened Before? N
This album really does it for me! Up-tempo new wave with horns? Hell yes! It's just a shame they didn't make more music in the 80s before the singer left. Cool that they're back together now and I'm grooving on their new stuff as well. Amazingly done.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Love Plus One
Lenny Kravitz
2/5
Listened Before? N
Let me start by saying - Lenny Kravitz is a highly respected and popular musician. He is not for me. I heard someone describe him as "rock for the pop masses" and that seems about right. I probably wouldn't mind him so much if he hadn't built a career on repeating the same chorus line 20+ times per song - but alas, he has. This record had me hopeful as it is his debut, but unfortunately it is just as repetitive and simplistic.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Let Love Rule
The Notorious B.I.G.
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Yep. He was good. Probably one of the best of all time. If there is a such thing as a rap prodigy, it was Biggie. Amazing album from an amazing rapper who was extremely polished for his age at the time.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Big Poppa
Foo Fighters
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Good album. It captures a moment in American modern rock when things shifted from grunge to a more post-grunge sound. Dave Grohl did an awesome job of recording this whole thing himself. There's a good amount of different styles here ranging from basically pure grunge all the way up to metal more in the vein of his work with Probot.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: I'll Stick Around
Moby Grape
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty decent psych-rock 60's album. There are so many of these on the list that they're just blending together at this point.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: 8:05
Björk
4/5
Listened Before? Y
BJORK! She'll kick your ass! But seriously - passionate, intense, awesome stuff here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Venus as a Boy
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
1/5
Listened Before? N
NAH.
Added to Library? N
Nanci Griffith
4/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, this is a very good country album. I haven't heard of her (that I remember), and that's a bit sad. I really enjoyed the whole thing beginning to end.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Love At The Five & Dime
The Auteurs
2/5
Listened Before? N
Meh, it was okay. Unoffensive and kinda boring.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Show Girl
Blood, Sweat & Tears
3/5
Listened Before? N
It's fine. I bet they ate all this instrumentation and jamming up in the 60s.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: And When I Die
The Shamen
2/5
Listened Before? N
Uhhhh.... what? I'm assuming this was influential in some way but I can't be bothered to waste time looking it up. Pretty not great and dated.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Possible Worlds
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
Listened Before? N
The world in 1990:....
These guys in 1990: Let's make a punk band! All you need is unintelligible singing, repetitive chords and cool song names!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: On A Rope
Adam & The Ants
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty decent early new-wave album. I prefer their later works but it's okay.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Kings of the Wild Frontier
Malcolm McLaren
1/5
Listened Before? N
Wait... this was made by a nearly 40-year old (at the time) white guy? No thanks.
Added to Library? N
Didn't add a song.
Screaming Trees
3/5
Listened Before? N
I've heard bits and pieces of this before. I've also seen them live as part of a festival in the 90s and they played a few of these songs that I remember. This is a solid alt-rock album and honestly the best album the list has given me in over two weeks.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: All I Know
The 13th Floor Elevators
2/5
Listened Before? N
It's just another 60s Psychedelic Rock album. It was fine. We have too many of these on the list.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: You're Gonna Miss Me
Paul McCartney
3/5
Listened Before? N
Interesting story with this album. Good for him trying to find his own sound during a difficult time. Unfortunately for him, the best songs on this record are the ones that sound the most like beatles songs.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Junk
Madonna
3/5
Listened Before? Y
Yep, it's a Madonna album. Pretty good. Lots of pop bangers here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Express Yourself
Throbbing Gristle
1/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, I sure am glad someone spent their time remastering this pile of crap. Also, what's with the pedo shot of the little girl? Gross.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: United (because it's 16 seconds long)
Gene Clark
3/5
Listened Before? N
Good country album. The inclusion of Stand By Me is unusual and feels like a grab for a hit, but other than that this is a solid effort beginning to end.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Because of You
Madness
3/5
Listened Before: N
I don't usually go out of my way to listen to albums that aren't on Spotify. I made an exception here because I know the band and I know I like their music.
I'm glad I went out there and listened to it. Very good album, and a unique sound. Everyone knows "Our House" but there are several other gems here.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Our House
Moby
4/5
Listened Before? N
You know... I went in expecting to be put off by this cascade of samples and re-treads - and I have to say- it was much better and more tolerable to listen to than I thought it would be. It helps when you put aside how overplayed some of the tracks are and try to just take them for what they are.
I'm not here to get into social commentary about "theft" of black artists' music (he paid for all of these samples where not public domain) so I'll just say it was a surprisingly good listen and move on. The famous "Porcelain" really did it for me vibe-wise.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Porcelain
Blue Cheer
3/5
Listened Before? N
Neat, early heavy metal I've never heard before. Good stuff. A bit long and sloppy but I'll take it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Rock Me Baby
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Listened Before? Y
An absolute classic and a staple of my library for years.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Wind Cries Mary
Prefab Sprout
3/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty good 80s stuff. Would listen again. Love the Thomas Dolby cameo.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: When Love Breaks Down
The Killers
5/5
Listened Before? Y
This is a staple of my library ever since it came out. Love the emotion and power here.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: On Top
Silver Jews
2/5
Listened Before? N
This sounds like Tom Waits and Nick Cave got wasted and tried to see who could come up with worse lyrics while listening to old Beck records. The music is fine... super simple... pretty sleepy.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Slow Education
The B-52's
4/5
Listened Before? Y
Absolute weird masterpiece. Take note, other musicians.... it IS possible to be strange and creative without taking yourself too seriously. Also: Rock fucking LOBSTER!
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Rock Lobster
The Louvin Brothers
2/5
Listened Before? N
50s Folk/Country. Hmmm... this feels less like a must-hear and more like something you'd flip past in the $0.50 bin at the record store. It was fine I suppose. The story telling was well done but the subject matter was boring.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Kentucky
The Pretty Things
3/5
Listened Before? N
Well done psychedelic concept album. Nothing special other than being first, though. It was okay.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bracelets of Fingers
Joan Armatrading
4/5
Listened Before? N
Really good album. A hidden gem.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Down To Zero
M.I.A.
2/5
Listened Before? N
I'm gonna be honest... I didn't listen to this one all the way through. I just don't care.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Bucky Done Gun
Lucinda Williams
5/5
Listened Before? N
Wow, this was really good! Great voice, great lyrics, great style! I'm in love.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Can't Let Go
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Listened Before? Y
This is my second favorite Hendrix record. It stretches out a little bit long in places, but there are such gems in between that it makes up for it.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: All Along The Watchtower
Bon Jovi
4/5
Listened Before? Y
AWWWW Yeah! This was the literal first tape I ever owned. As far as hair metal goes, this is a pretty good overall represenation of the genre. JBJ has a good voice, and the lyrics are not over the top like some bands who jumped the shark at this time. Really solid record. Even the deep cuts are pretty good.
Added to Library? Y
Songs added to playlist: Social Disease
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
2/5
Listened Before? N
Man, the 70s were weird. I'm not sure WHAT this is. I don't hate it, but it feels like elevator music from a mall where smoking is allowed in the corridors.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Penguin Cafe Single
Ryan Adams
3/5
Listened Before? N
I'm not going to be as hard on this as many reviewers. We get it, he's a dick. Cool. At least he's not a racist POS like Clapton or a Pedo like R. Kelly. Anyway, the music is pretty good if you're not looking for originality. He covers the gamut of classic American artists from Dylan to Springsteen here. Some of the songs are too long, and I wasn't a fan of When the Stars Go Blue. Its a good listen but not very memorable.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: New York, New York
John Martyn
3/5
Listened Before? N
What a weird listen. I'm not sure what any of it means, but between the porn guitars and the boob on the cover, I think the whole thing may just be one big innuendo.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Big Muff (duh)
The Charlatans
2/5
Listened Before? N
If the word "meh" was a person, and formed a band, and recorded an album... this would be what it would sound like. Even the dudes on the cover embody the meh-ness here. This gets a 2/5 as an album and a 5/5 as an exhibit in boring.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: One To Another
The Smiths
2/5
Listened Before? N
My new favorite Smiths album! Jangly and pretentious as usual. At least they're consistent. I'll give them half a point for consistency and deduct half a point for having the cover just be a giant shitty image of Morrisey's face. 1.5/5.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours
King Crimson
2/5
Listened Before? N
Pretty cool but waaayyyy too long and experimental for my un-stoned brain.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Book of Saturday
The Damned
4/5
Listened Before? N
A well-made album that runs through a gamut of sounds- from hardcore punk through new-wavey rock through almost post-punk. I enjoyed this one.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Smash It Up
X-Ray Spex
4/5
Listened Before? N
Neat album. Great vocals. I love the variety of instruments and the variety of subjects. At his heart it's still punk, but it has a lot of variety for a punk album.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist; I Am a Poseur
John Lennon
2/5
Listened Before? N
So, i really WANTED to like this album. Imagine is a fantastic song. The rest of it was just.... boring. John Lennon is touted as a musical genius - but I think he needed the rest of the boys more than he wanted to admit.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Imagine
The Rolling Stones
2/5
Listened Before? N
Ehhhh... this is sort of a museum piece. It's just a cover album by a band that became bigger than life later on. Nothing much noteworthy musically.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Route 66
ABBA
3/5
Listened Before? N
This album sounds like a musical theater soundtrack- and it possesses all the good and bad qualities of one. Very mid, with some standouts. I really liked Head Over Heels and One of Us.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Head Over Heels
Gil Scott-Heron
1/5
Unavailable
Fela Kuti
3/5
Listened Before? N
In the immortal words of the Beasties... Oh my god, thats the funky shit! This was funky and wild and I dug everything about it except the length of the songs.
Added to Library? N
Songs added to playlist: Let's Start